How Diabetes Patients Can Better Handle the Summer Heat | AFC Urgent Care Memphis

The team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis wants you to have a fun, healthy summer. But if you have diabetes, there are certain precautions you need to take in the summer heat. Fortunately, they don’t require too much work and won’t ruin the fun times the summer can bring.

Beat the Heat

First, stay hydrated. While this is something we all should be doing in the summer, it is something that’s especially important for those with diabetes during the hot summer months. When you become dehydrated, your blood glucose levels are more likely to fluctuate and be uncontrollable. Therefore, an increase in the body’s excretion of urine can occur. Avoid this situation by making sure you drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeine-filled drinks.

Second, be sure to stay on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion. Those who have diabetes are at an increased chance of overheating, which can lead to dizziness or fainting, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, headaches, rapid heartbeat and/or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to head indoors or to a shady area, sip on water to replenish your body, and seek prompt medical attention.

Finally, remember to keep your diabetes tools in a cool, dry place. Equipment like your blood glucose meter, strips and insulin should not be kept in extreme temperatures (like those found in a car during the summer) or direct sunlight. You should check your blood sugar levels as often a day as directed, but you need to make sure your equipment is stored safely, too, for accurate results.

Do you feel as though the summer heat is affecting you more than usual? Visit a physician at AFC Urgent Care Memphis who can help check your blood sugar levels and give you additional tips on how to stay safe in the sun while living with diabetes.