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How to Cool It!
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By Kalia Doner
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Diabetes Focus Spring 2009
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Hot and humid weather can make it harder to stay in control. Not only
may your insulin requirements change or your test strips get soggy, but
you may be at extra risk for dehydration and overheating. “People with
chronic diseases like diabetes, as well as people taking certain
medications—including diuretics and heart disease medications, which
often are used to treat complications of diabetes—are at increased risk
of experiencing difficulties in the heat, even though they may not be
aware of it,” says Catherine Carver, M.S., A.N.P., C.D.E., vice
president for clinical services at Boston’s Joslin Diabetes Center.
To
help you stay healthy this season, the Joslin Clinic suggests you keep
hydrated. If you have diabetes, high blood sugar levels can lead to
dehydration; add summer sweatiness to that and you are at increased
risk for heatstroke.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion.
Symptoms include feeling dizzy or fainting, sweating excessively,
muscle cramps, skin that is cold or clammy, headaches, and rapid
heartbeat and/or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, move
to a cooler location, drink fluids such as water, juice or sports
drinks (based on your health-care provider’s instructions) and seek
medical attention. Check blood glucose levels at least four times per
day, or more often if you are not feeling well. Remember that heat can
cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate.
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