Diabetes and heat: How to keep your blood sugar steady this summer

The changing heat patterns in the summer are challenging, especially for diabetics, impacting blood sugar levels, hydration, and insulin effectiveness. Here are a few healthy tips to stay safe and maintain blood sugar levels balanced during summer.

Stay hydrated:
Dehydration raises your blood sugar levels, which could be really challenging to manage diabetes . Dizziness, dry mouth, and dark urine are a few of the signs of dehydration. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which could directly help you to balance blood sugar levels.

Monitor blood sugar levels frequently:
The changing patterns in the heat can make your blood sugar fluctuate. The extreme heat causes a change in the imbalance of insulin absorption levels. Immediately check your blood sugar levels whenever you spend time outdoors. And be aware that heat patterns could imbalance your blood sugar levels.

Store medications properly:
Heat causes your medicines to degrade due to changing temperature. Keep insulin in a cool place, such as an insulated bag or cooler, without freezing it. Check glucose meters and test strips frequently as heat can affect their accuracy.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion and hypoglycemia:
Signs such as excessive sweating, shortness of breath, sluggishness, and nausea can cause low blood sugar levels. If you feel uneasy and unwell, just sit in a cool place, drink some water, and take a deep breath. Always carry glucose or a fruit juice to overcome hypoglycemia.

Eat summer-friendly foods:
Consume fresh and hydrating foods such as cucumber, berries, yogurt, watermelon, oranges, avocados, and leafy greens. Eat foods such as nuts and seeds such as walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, almonds, and pumpkin seeds to maintain stable energy levels.

Follow the above-given precautions to maintain blood sugar levels stable. Be aware and understand that heat patterns affect blood sugar levels. Consult a doctor whenever you feel trouble managing diabetes in summer.

Dr Archana Batra, Dietician and a certified diabetes educator