Managing Your Diabetes During Hot Weather

26th April 2018

Whether you are going on holiday or simply spending some time outdoors in the heat, high temperatures will effect your diabetes.

This may partly be explained by increased activity in hot weather, but there is no doubt that the heat does affect some people with diabetes in other ways.

What problems can hot weather cause for people with diabetes?

Dehydration is a major issue in hot weather, and if your blood sugars are high this can further increase this risk.

People with diabetes need to increase their intake of fluids in hot weather, drinking regularly during the day and focusing on drinking water.

One of the major concerns regarding diabetes and hot weather is the risk of blood sugar levels rising or falling and causing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

What are the hypo risks from hot weather?

Hot weather can increase the risk of hypoglycemia for those on insulin and some oral medication.

The body's metabolism is higher in hot and humid weather which can lead to an increased chance of hypoglycemia.

Hypos may be slightly harder to spot in hot weather.

Don't be tempted to disregard hypo symptoms, such as sweating and tiredness, as a result of hot weather as it could be a sign of hypoglycemia.

Take extra care when driving and test your blood sugar before and after each journey and stop regularly to check your blood sugar if taking longer journeys and have snack if needed.

To prevent hypos, be prepared to test your blood glucose more often, particularly if taking part in physical activity in hot weather.

Keep a source of fasting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets and long acting carbohydrate at hand.

You may need to adjust your insulin levels during changes in temperature. If you are experiencing higher or lower blood sugar levels and need advice about adjusting your insulin levels, speak to your CF Diabetes Specialist Nurse.