Does Hot Weather Affect Diabetes Control?

If you have diabetes, hot summer temperatures can impact your blood sugars and put you at added risk of heat illness.

"The best thing a person can do to account for high temperatures just to have a way to keep their medications and themselves cool in the summer," said Franciscan Physician Network endocrinologist Samuel Worsham, MD, who practices in Lafayette, Indiana. "Staying very well-hydrated is of the utmost importance, and listening to your body will be helpful in avoiding any severe side effects from the heat and overexerting yourself."

Dr. Worsham offers tips on managing diabetes in extreme heat.

Keeping Your Body Cool If You Have Diabetes

Damage to blood vessels and nerves may impact your body's ability to sweat and stay cool in hot weather.

Additionally, high blood sugars can lead to dehydration. Many people associate dehydration with extreme heat or a high heat index, however, having diabetes does impact your body's ability to react to hot temperatures and stay cool. For example, if your blood sugar is high, you may be at a higher risk of dehydration than someone with blood sugar levels in a normal range.

"Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) leads to loss of glucose (sugar) in the urine which result in a subsequent loss of free water in the urine as well," Dr. Worsham explained. "Dehydration itself can lead to increased blood sugar - which can cause worsening dehydration through osmotic diuresis and make it difficult for your kidney to concentrate urine."

Other health conditions such as heart disease, poor circulation and obesity may make it harder for your body to stay cool during extreme heat, putting you at higher risk of heat illness.

Additionally, some medications may impact your body's ability to sweat.

"Various classes of medications including beta blockers, as well as diuretics, can impair sweating - ultimately disrupting the body's ability to cool itself," said Dr. Robert Glatter, MD, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital. "Other medications including antihistamines, as well as antidepressants and sedatives, may also impair your ability to sweat, leading to heat-related illnesses."

Heat Hurts Your Diabetes Supplies

High temperatures can do more than harm your body. Exposure to hot weather does affect your diabetes medications and supplies as well.

"Insulin usually needs to be stored in the refrigerator until it is being used," Dr. Worsham said. "Insulin pens can stay out of the refrigerator once they are being used and can tolerate temperatures up to 93-95°F, but exposing them to higher temperatures than this can cause degradation."

"High temperatures can also cause malfunction of test strips, glucometers and continuous glucose monitors, and medications can degrade, as well, if not stored at the proper temperature."

Prepare For Time Outside

If going out for an extended period in high heat, consider a car cooler to help keep your diabetes supplies and medications at a proper temperature. Be sure to pack extra water and emergency snacks.

"Planning ahead of time can be important, as well as taking the normal precautions when going out, such as having medication on hand and a way to treat hypoglycemia, can keep you from having an outing ruined by high or low blood sugars," Dr. Worsham said.

"Be vigilant with your blood sugars and make sure that your loved ones are aware of your diabetes so they can help you if needed. Your diabetes should not keep you from getting out and enjoying the wonderful weather. With proper planning and experience, individuals with diabetes can enjoy the wonderful summer weather too!"