5 Simple Ways to Manage your Diabetes in Summer
People who have diabetes are sensitive to the hot weather of summer. Extreme heat affects blood sugar control. Summer heat can add problems for people living with diabetes. Although most diabetic patients know that excessive heat poses a danger, they may not know when to take precautions. Elder people are at particular risk. However, people of all ages with diabetes should be aware of summertime dangers.
People with diabetes get dehydrated often, and a lack of fluids can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar. High blood sugar causes excessive urination. Summer changes the entire routine and management of diabetes. Consult your doctor immediately if you have diabetes, are experiencing dehydration, excessive sweating, and high or low blood sugars.
Tips for managing diabetes in summer
Plenty of fluids
Stay hydrated. Keep drinking water even if you are not feeling thirsty. Staying hydrated is essential for everyone. Buttermilk, salted lemonade, tomato juice, soups, and green tea provide instant hydration. Start your day with warm lemon water to flush out the toxins. Carry small bottles of water everywhere to avoid getting dehydrated.
Avoid caffeine
Caffeine leads to loss of fluids. Also, they trigger elevated levels of blood glucose. Hence, it is better to cut down on coffee and caffeinated beverages. Try limiting your coffee to two small cups a day.
Adjust your insulin
Consult your doctor to know how you should adjust you are insulin. Also, if you are an insulin-dependent diabetic, make sure to monitor sugar levels regularly I;e., before and after meals. However, if you find an increase or decrease in your levels, talk to your doctor for an adjustment in the dosage.
Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels
Hot temperatures can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Hence, it is essential to test more often. Testing frequently in hot temperatures will help you take the immediate required action to keep your levels stable. Monitor yourself frequently if you are working out.
Avoid sunburns
Don’t walk barefoot even at home. Use sunscreens, and wear light-fitted and lightweight clothes to avoid sweating. Another common problem of diabetes during summer is skin problems. It takes a long time for acne, sunburn, and blisters to heal completely.
Don’t skip exercise
Walking and regular exercise helps people with diabetes keep blood glucose under control and prevent hyperglycemia. Experts advise practicing simple yoga stretches and pose without exerting pressure on the body. However, go for an early morning or late evening walks.
Conclusion
Managing diabetes all year round can be a challenge, but the hot weather is the most challenging time for all diabetic patients. Summer makes diabetic people more sensitive and can make it harder to control their blood sugar levels because of heat exhaustion or dehydration. Hence, they need some extra care and attention. Get your diabetic check-ups regularly and enjoy summer while taking above mentioned precautions.