7 Critical Precautions for Summer If You Have Diabetes
The summer heat is rife with potential dangers that are specific to people with diabetes. If you have this condition, experts say you need to take special steps to keep your blood sugar at proper levels.
“The most important thing to remember is that the stress of the heat can increase or decrease a diabetic’s blood sugar,” says endocrinologist Betul Hatipoglu, MD.
Dr. Hatipoglu offers these seven tips to help people with diabetes handle steamy summer days:
- Check blood glucose levels regularly. Knowing your sugar level is the best way to determine whether your insulin has gone bad or you have a malfunctioning pump. Check your blood sugar at least four times each day and more frequently if you are not feeling well.
- Exercise in air conditioning when it’s too hot. If the heat exceeds 85 degrees, exercise indoors where there is air conditioning. Sweating and dehydration are potentially more dangerous if you are diabetic, especially if you are on insulin therapy. Exercising outside earlier in the day or later in the evening, when the temperatures are cooler, also is helpful.
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