How to manage diabetes during summer months

Jul 31, 2023

I know the season doesn't officially change until June 21, but last week felt like summer. As I looked at the weekly forecast, my weather app showed an image of the sun behind a cactus for Friday. It was a good reminder of how hot weather can make us feel.

People who have diabetes (type 1 and type 2) can feel the heat more intensely than those who do not. Diabetes can result in complications that affect the efficiency of several systems in the body. According to the CDC, diabetes can lead to damage to blood vessels and nerves. This means sweat glands can be less effective not allowing the body to cool itself as well. In general, people with diabetes get dehydrated more quickly. Not drinking enough liquids can raise blood sugar. Higher blood sugar can increase urination which can also lead to dehydration.

People who need insulin may need to adjust their insulin dose, so close monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended. Insulin and oral diabetes medicines should not be stored in sunlight or a hot car. The same goes for equipment and supplies. Heat can damage blood sugar monitors, insulin pumps and test strips.

Dr. Marwan Hamaty with Cleveland Clinic encourages patients to participate in outdoor activities in all sorts of weather. He simply advises them to take certain precautions. These are good tips to keep in mind:

• Drink plenty of water. This applies to everyone whether or not they have diabetes.

• Keep items to treat low blood sugar with you. Though diabetes is associated with high blood sugar levels, people with diabetes can also experience low blood sugar with increased exercise. Have glucose tabs or glucose gel handy.

• Snacks may also be helpful to regulate blood sugar levels. Discuss some good options with your dietitian.

• Avoid dehydration. When you are active in warm weather, consider carrying along a low-calorie electrolyte-replenishing sports drink.

• Avoid sunburn. This is also helpful advice for everyone. Sunburn stresses your body and this can raise blood sugar levels.

• Avoid temperature extremes. When possible, take it easy on exceptionally hot and humid days. There is a difference between 80 degrees and 95 degrees and your body will let you know. Whenever possible, aim to stay in the shade rather than direct sunlight.

OSU Extension and Coshocton Regional Medical Center will once again be offering Dining with Diabetes courses this summer. It's a cooking school and nutrition education program designed for people with diabetes and their family members or caregivers. The program is a series of four classes. Each class features a small meal, cooking demonstration and a lesson on an important topic to better manage diabetes.

Dining with Diabetes will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 10, 17, 24 and 31. Two classes will be at Coshocton Regional Medical Center and two classes will involve demonstration meal preparation at Three Rivers Fire Department Community Room at Canal Lewisville. The cost of the program is $20 and includes all four classes, educational handouts and small sized meals featuring a variety of recipes. You are also encouraged to register a support person to attend with you for an additional $10.

I will co-teach the classes with Leslie Mayle, registered dietitian at Coshocton Regional Medical Center, and Kate Shumaker, OSU Extension educator and registered dietitian. Those with diabetes or pre-diabetes and their family members or caretakers are encouraged to attend. Paid registration is required by July 5. There are 10 registration openings remaining. To register visit go.osu.edu/coshoctondwd.

Today I’ll leave you with this quote from Yogi Berra: "It ain't the heat, it's the humility."

Emily Marrison is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 740-622-2265.