High temperatures and sunshine hypoglycemia– these can be life-threatening for people with diabetes. Because they then have a higher risk of suffering a heart attack. We give tips on how best to behave in the heat.
Some people enjoy the summer temperatures, hypoglycemia for others they become a danger. This particularly affects older people, pregnant women, children and people with chronic previous illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases. When it gets hot, they particularly suffer from dizziness, confusion and exhaustion. In the worst case, they can even get heat stroke.
This is what diabetics should know
- Why is heat dangerous for diabetics?
- How do diabetics behave properly in the heat?
- And what about insulin injections and medication in the heat?
Why is heat dangerous for hypoglycemia?
When it gets hot, the human body tries to cool itself naturally. The blood vessels expand so that a lot of blood flows into the skin and heat can be released across the surface of the skin. At the same time, blood pressure drops and the heart has to pump harder.
An additional problem for people with type 2 diabetes is that they often take antihypertensive medications and water tablets. This increases fluid loss and hypoglycemia reduces blood pressure even more. This makes cardiovascular problems more likely. The risk of heat-related heart attacks also increases.
Being very overweight further impairs heat adaptation. “It is also problematic for people who require insulin that the increased blood flow as a result of the dry heat exchange ( via the skin, editor’s note ) causes insulin to be distributed more quickly throughout the body,” warns the diabetes information portal diabinfo . This increases the risk that diabetics will experience hypoglycemia more quickly.
What makes it even more difficult for older people is that the feeling of thirst decreases. You drink less, but your body sweats out a lot of water in the heat. This can have dangerous consequences, especially for diabetics. Because: “This increases blood sugar levels, hypoglycemia which leads to increased excretion of sugar in the urine and a further increase in fluid requirements,” says the diabinfo website. The water balance is disrupted and this can lead to dysfunction of the kidneys, heart and other organs.
How do diabetics behave properly in the heat?
The same applies to diabetics as to metabolically healthy people. So:
- Drink a lot! The BZgA recommends drinking water and unsweetened tea – ideally at room temperature. “Water-rich foods such as light soups or vegetables hypoglycemia (e.g. tomatoes, cucumbers and spinach) are also good. They help supply the body with fluids and minerals.”
- If possible, do exercise early in the morning or late in the evening. Then the heat is not yet or not too great anymore.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation with a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. And if possible, spend more time in the shade.
- Pay attention to heat warnings and find out about hot days on television, radio, internet or via app.
- If you have symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue, older people in particular should not wait long and should instead see a doctor immediately .
Diabetics should also note the following:
- You should regularly measure your blood pressure and blood sugar levels . The diabetes information portal diabinfo recommends checking your values at least twice a day.
- Anyone who requires insulin or tablets should discuss with their doctor in hot weather whether an adjustment to their therapy is necessary. Do you need a different dosage? Or completely different medications? This needs to be clarified in good time.
And what about insulin injections and medication in the heat?
When it gets hot, it also affects medications. For example, hypoglycemia insulin can flocculate and become cloudy at temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius. Then it is no longer usable. The BZgA recommends never storing or transporting insulin without refrigeration . Temperatures between two and eight degrees Celsius are ideal.
“It is best to use a special cooler bag for storage on the go,” advises the Federal Agency. “Make sure that the insulin does not come into direct contact with the ice packs.”
Measuring devices and test strips should also be protected from the sun. “Temperatures that are too high or too low can damage the blood glucose meter and test strips and lead to incorrect results,” the hypoglycemia continues. That’s why they should always be stored at room temperature. “It is also advisable to wear the insulin pump tube, pods and sensors under your clothing to protect them from strong sunlight.” They can be fixed to the body using a tape bandage or armband.