Both hot and cold weather extremes can harm your testing equipment and your medications and have a negative impact on your body’s ability to produce and use insulin.
If you are travelling to an area that is likely to experience very extreme temperatures, check with your meters manufacturers about limits on the reliability of their machine.
HOT CLIMATE
1.Stay hydrated.
The problem is that in the heat, people tend to get dehydrated easily. When you’re dehydrated, you have higher concentrations of blood sugar because less blood flows through your kidneys.
With less blood, your kidneys don’t work as efficiently to clear out any excess glucose (blood sugar) from your urine.
When it’s hot, be sure to drink plenty of water or sugar-free drinks.
Don’t wait until you are thirsty to replenish fluids.
2.Store your medications properly.
Elite Multi-Compartment Isothermal Diabetes Cool Bag
High temps can affect your diabetes medications, glucose meter, and diabetes test strips.When it’s hot outside, it’s easy for insulin and other drugs to become degraded.Be sure to store your medications properly — out of the extreme heat.Never leave them in your car on a hot day.You may need to carry your diabetes medicines in a cooler with an ice pack. Just be sure they’re not sitting directly on ice or the ice pack.
3.Stay out of the heat of the day.
Exercise is an important part of diabetes management and blood sugar control.
But you don’t want to be outside exercising during the hottest part of the day.
Get in your exercise first thing in the morning or once the sun goes down
Another option is to work out in an air-conditioned gym in the hotel where you are staying.
4.Know signs of low blood sugar.
DIABETES HYPOGLYCAEMIA EMERGENCY GLUCOSE KIT – HYPOWALLET
Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion are similar to those of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.
These include sweating, light-headedness, shakiness, and confusion.
You may think it’s the heat and not recognize that your blood sugar levels have fallen to dangerous lows.
Be aware of the warning signs of low blood sugar and keep some carbohydrates with you to eat if you need to raise your blood sugar.
Have a plan for a medical emergency.
5.Test more often.You may need to test your blood sugar levels more frequently so that you can adjust your insulin and your diet as necessary.Talk with your diabetes educator about guidelines if you’re unsure of the best schedule.
6.Mind your feet.
Flexitol Heel Balm 500g Tub – Proven Treatment for Dry & Cracked Feet – General & Diabetic Foot Care
People with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are susceptible to problems with their feet.
In the hot climate you face the temptation to go barefoot or wear open sandals that expose your toes to trouble.
Always wear shoes that fit well — even in warmer countries— and at the end of the day, check your feet for any cuts, scrapes, blisters, or bruises.
Don’t ignore injuries to your feet. Get medical treatment right away.
COLD CLIMATE
MediGenix CoolMeds 2 Go 15-25°C Bag for transporting temperature sensitive medicine
Freezing temps and cold weather can make it more challenging to stay on top of your diabetes.
Here’s what to watch for on holiday in cold climates.
1.Keep your supplies out of the cold.
Just like extreme heat, extreme cold can affect your insulin and cause your glucose monitor to stop working.
Don’t leave supplies in a car when temperatures outside are below freezing.
2.Do your best to avoid getting sick.
When you’re sick, you’re stressed, and being under stress can raise your blood sugar. Also, when you don’t feel good, you’re likely to not eat properly.
Wash your hands with soap and water often so that you don’t spread germs.
Have a sick-day kit – Fill it with soup, sugar-free cough drops, tea — things that will make you feel better and that you can access easily.
Also get vaccinated against the flu before you go on holiday.
3.Avoid packing on the pounds.
Managing type 2 diabetes during a holiday can be tricky.
Many foods are loaded with carbohydrates that cause your blood sugar to rise,keep to your diabetes diet plan.
Forget about seconds and stick with one plate of healthy food, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, lean protein, nuts, and beans.
Even a small weight gain makes it more difficult to control your diabetes and blood sugar levels.
4.Keep an eye on your feet.
Allpresan Diabetic Foot Foam Cream Intensive 125ml
Diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your toes and feet.
Protect them with the right footwear, especially in snow.
Apply moisturizer to your feet to keep your skin healthy.
Inspect them regularly, and if you notice an injury that doesn’t heal, seek medical attention. Don’t wait.
5.Warm your hands.
Mizuno Men’s Therma Grip Gloves
If your hands are cold, you may have to warm them up to get a good blood sugar reading.
Wash them in warm water before testing.
Your meter will work best when it’s kept in a room where the temperature is between 50 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more great Health and Nutrition Tips refer to the website positivehealthwellness.com.
6.Don’t skip your workouts.
It can be hard to get motivated to exercise on holiday.
But exercise is an important part of diabetes blood sugar control.
It helps if you dress in layers when you’re exercising outdoors in the cold.
Or go to the gym in your hotel where you can work out indoors.
If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.
Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.