![\"Woman](\"http://www.cdc.gov/features/diabetesheattravel/diabetesheattravel_456px.jpg\")
\n How to keep your cool during the hottest time of year.
\nDid you know that people who have diabetes\u2014both type 1 and type 2\u2014feel the heat more than people who don\u2019t have diabetes? Some reasons why:
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- Certain diabetes complications, such as damage to blood vessels and nerves, can affect your sweat glands so your body can\u2019t cool as effectively. That can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. \n
- People with diabetes get dehydrated (lose too much water from their bodies) more quickly. Not drinking enough liquids can raise blood sugar, and high blood sugar can make you urinate more, causing dehydration. Some commonly used medicines like diuretics (\u201cwater pills\u201d to treat high blood pressure) can dehydrate you, too. \n
- High temperatures can change how your body uses insulin. You may need to test your blood sugar more often and adjust your insulin dose and what you eat and drink. \n
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- Drink plenty of water. \n
- Test your blood sugar often. \n
- Keep medicines, supplies, and equipment out of the heat. \n
- Stay inside in air-conditioning when it\u2019s hottest. \n
- Wear loose, light clothing. \n
- Get medical attention for heat-related illness. \n
- Make a plan in case you lose power. \n
- Have a go-bag ready for emergencies. \n
It\u2019s the Heat and the Humidity
\nEven when it doesn\u2019t seem very hot outside, the combination of heat and humidity (moisture in the air) can be dangerous. When sweat evaporates (dries) on your skin, it removes heat and cools you. It\u2019s harder to stay cool in high humidity because sweat can\u2019t evaporate as well.
\nWhether you\u2019re working out or just hanging out, it\u2019s a good idea to check the heat indexExternal \n \u2014a measurement that combines temperature and humidity. Take steps to stay cool (see sidebar) when it reaches 80\u00b0F in the shade with 40% humidity or above. Important to know: The heat index can be up to 15\u00b0F higher in full sunlight, so stick to the shade when the weather warms up.
\nPhysical activity is key to managing diabetes, but don\u2019t get active outdoors during the hottest part of the day or when the heat index is high. Get out early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower, or go to an air-conditioned mall or gym to get active.
\nYour Blood Sugar Knows Best
\nKids out of school, vacations, get-togethers, family reunions. The summer season can throw off your routine, and possibly your diabetes management plan. Check your blood sugar more often to make sure it\u2019s in your target range no matter what the summer brings. It\u2019s especially important to recognize what low blood sugarExternal \n feels like and treat it as soon as possible.
\n![\"Man](\"http://www.cdc.gov/features/diabetesheattravel/diabetesheattravel_a250px.jpg\")
Play it safe in the sun with a hat and sunglasses.
Warm-weather wisdom:
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- Drink plenty of water\u2014even if you\u2019re not thirsty\u2014so you don\u2019t get dehydrated. \n
- Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine, like coffee and energy or sports drinks. They can lead to water loss and spike your blood sugar levels. \n
- Check your blood sugar before, during, and after you\u2019re active. You may need to change how much insulin you use. Ask your doctor if you would like help in adjusting your dosage. \n
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. \n
- Wear sunscreen and a hat when you\u2019re outside. Sunburn can raise your blood sugar levels. \n
- Don\u2019t go barefoot, even on the beach or at the pool. \n
- Use your air conditioner or go to an air-conditioned building or mall to stay cool. In very high heat, a room fan won\u2019t cool you enough. \n
Too Hot to Handle
\nKnow what else feels the heat? Diabetes medicines Cdc-pdf \n [442 KB], supplies, and equipment:
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- Don\u2019t store insulin or oral diabetes medicine in direct sunlight or in a hot car. Check package information about how high temperatures can affect insulin and other medicines. \n
- If you\u2019re traveling, keep insulin and other medicines in a cooler. Don\u2019t put insulin directly on ice or on a gel pack. \n
- Heat can damage your blood sugar monitor, insulin pump, and other diabetes equipment. Don\u2019t leave them in a hot car, by a pool, in direct sunlight, or on the beach. The same goes for supplies such as test strips. \n
But don\u2019t let the summer heat stop you from taking your diabetes medicine and supplies with you when you\u2019re out and about. You\u2019ll need to be able to test your blood sugar and take steps if it\u2019s too high or too low. Just make sure to protect your diabetes gear from the heat.
\nStormy Weather
\nJune 1 marked the beginning of hurricane season. Severe thunderstorms with hail, high winds, and tornadoes are more likely in warm weather, too. People with diabetes face extra challenges if a strong storm knocks out the power or they have to seek shelter away from home. Plan how you\u2019ll handle medicine that needs refrigeration, such as insulin. And be prepared by packing an emergency go-bag\u2014a supply kit you can grab quickly if you need to leave your home.
\nHere\u2019s to staying cool, staying safe, and enjoying the long summer days!
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