7 Diabetes Management Tips for Summer

As summer begins, it’s important to maintain good health and safety when it comes to your diabetes management. The summer months can throw off your routine, and possibly your blood sugar levels. What’s more — you could be at higher risk for low blood sugar due to warmer temperatures, increased physical activity and changes in eating or sleep habits.

Here are seven helpful tips to managing diabetes this summer:

1. Stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Higher temps can lead to increased sweating and fluid loss, which can impact blood sugar levels. Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks and opt for unsweetened beverages.
2. Plan meals and bring snacks. Include a combination of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats as well as fresh fruits and veggies in your meals to help keep your blood sugar levels stable. Be sure to stock up on snacks to avoid low blood sugar and stay on top of your food schedule.
3. Test your blood sugar often. Exposure to the sun and heat can have unique implications if you have diabetes. Heat and humidity can change how your body uses insulin, which causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate and raises the risk of low blood sugar. You may need to adjust your dose of insulin and modify what you eat and drink. Remember to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medications.
4. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar can be easily missed or mistaken for symptoms from excessive heat. For example, sweating and fatigue can be common in hot weather, but they could also indicate that your blood sugar is low. Educate those around you about the possible signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and ensure they know what to do in case of a low blood sugar emergency.
5. Create a plan for very low blood sugar and carry ready-to-use glucagon. If you’re taking insulin or sulfonylureas for your diabetes, you’re at increased risk of very low blood sugar. Low blood sugar emergencies can happen unexpectedly and demand quick action. That’s why it’s important for you and your loved ones to have a treatment plan that includes ready-to-use glucagon. Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection) is a ready-to-use rescue pen that you can count on to bring very low blood sugar levels back up in 2 simple steps.³ Talk to your healthcare provider today if you don’t already have prescription, or your glucagon is expired.
6. Protect yourself and your diabetes equipment from the sun. Wear sunscreen with a high SPF, a broad-brimmed hat and lightweight, breathable clothing. Keep insulin, glucagon and glucose monitoring supplies away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. If you’re enjoying outdoor activities, take regular breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces to prevent overheating.
7. Exercise smartly. Regular physical activity is beneficial for managing diabetes, but it requires additional care during summer. Engage in outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day to avoid extreme heat. Stay hydrated and carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrates, as well as ready-to-use glucagon.

With these safety considerations in mind, you’ll be ready for the summer heat and what to do in case of very low blood sugar.  Remember to talk to your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your health needs.