by the Diabetes Team

Hot Weather

Did you know that hot temperatures (above 26°C) and humidity can affect your diabetes medication, testing supplies and blood sugar levels?

Here are a few tips to help you manage your diabetes in hot weather:

  • Test your blood sugar levels more often and adjust your insulin, food and fluid intake as needed.  Hot weather can affect your blood sugar levels and increase the absorption of some fast-acting insulin.
  • Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.  Choose water most often and avoid beverages high in sugar such as regular pop and juice.
  • Carry foods with you to prevent and treat hypoglycemia.  Keep a cooler with you with healthy snacks and foods or glucose tablets to treat a low blood sugar reaction.
  • Be active outside during cooler periods such as early or late in the day.  Or, try doing physical activity in air-conditioned areas.
  • Protect your medications from the heat.  Avoid storing insulin in direct sunlight or in a hot car.  Keep it in a cooler but do not place it directly on ice or gel packs.
  • Learn how to use your glucometer and test strips on hot and humid days by reading the instruction sheets.  Avoid leaving these in a hot car, by the pool or on the beach.
  • Protect your equipment from heat damage.  Avoid leaving disconnected insulin pumps or supplies in the sun.
  • Protect your feet.  Avoid walking barefoot especially on hot pavement a ...
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