Tips for managing diabetes in all kinds of weather

Managing diabetes can be a challenge even in the best of circumstances. Add extreme weather to the mix, and the challenge can become even more difficult! As someone who's living with diabetes, you likely have your daily management routine down — but with the seasons always changing (and new adventures beckoning every day) it can be hard to stay on top of it all. We get it!

Thankfully, there are many tips and tricks you can use to properly manage your diabetes in all kinds of weather. Here's a rundown of the different ways temperature and humidity can affect glucose levels, as well as the precautions you should take when it comes to navigating blood sugars and changes in the weather.

Tips for navigating diabetes management in hot weather

Just as the cold weather season requires people with diabetes to consider their actions (and clothing), warm weather comes with its own set of important guidelines. Here's what to know about managing diabetes when it's hot outside:

• Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a hot weather risk for everyone but especially people with diabetes. It's a bit of a vicious cycle: Not drinking enough water causes blood sugar to run high. When blood sugar runs high, the body may urinate more to try to get rid of the extra sugar. Increased urination means an increased loss of water. And round and round it goes! To break the cycle, people with diabetes need to drink plenty of water, even before they become thirsty. Six or more 8-ounce glasses per day is a great starting point.
• Plan workouts strategically. It's definitely a good idea to stick with an exercise plan through all kinds of weather, but a person with diabetes may benefit from a few changes to their routine. For example, exercising in the early part of the day — when the temperature is cooler — or doing indoor exercises in an air-conditioned environment can help individuals keep comfortable. It's important to check blood sugar before, during and after exercise — and adjust activity, carbohydrate intake and insulin doses accordingly. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can make this easy, as they allow users to track their levels in real-time (without having to prick their fingers) and set up alerts to protect against high and low blood sugar events.
• Try to limit sun exposure. In order to stay cool and avoid sunburn, individuals with diabetes should wear a hat, loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen while outside in hot weather. The physical stress of a sunburn can cause blood sugar levels to rise, so people living with diabetes should take their sun protection efforts seriously.
• Like heat, humidity is a factor in keeping cool. The higher the humidity, the more difficult it is for the body to cool itself by sweating. When the air temperature is above 80 degrees and the humidity level is above 40%, it's best to stay in the shade or in an air-conditioned space if that's available!
• Keep supplies at the correct temperatures. Just as freezing temperatures will affect diabetes supplies, very hot temperatures will affect them too. Glucometers and insulin should not be left out in the sun or in hot cars, where the temperature can rise to well above the outdoor temperature. Insulin travels well when it's stored in a small cooler with a refrigerated (not frozen) gel pack.

Tips for navigating diabetes management in cold weather

The cold weather season can create some slippery situations concerning diabetes management. Here are some key things to know about taking care of diabetes when it's cold outside:

• Bundle up. When a person is cold, their body directs circulating blood to its center to keep vital organs warm. This can leave fingers and toes at risk of frostbite. Some people with diabetes already have peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation in the extremities), so they may not be able to tell how cold their fingers and toes are. Accordingly, individuals living with diabetes should wear warm socks and gloves and limit time spent outside in very cold weather.
• Keep supplies at the correct temperatures. Diabetes supplies may get left in the cold inside a person's car, but these can be sensitive to temperature, too! While it's OK for glucometers to be a little cool, freezing temperatures can cause them to stop working correctly. Similarly, insulin freezes at 36 degrees, and that causes a change in the shape of the proteins in the insulin. If insulin is used after it has been frozen and thawed, it will not work effectively for managing diabetes. Rather than being left out in the cold, diabetes supplies need to be stowed in a bag, briefcase or purse, so they can travel with their owner.
• Warm yourself up before testing blood. It's harder to get a drop of blood to check blood sugar when fingers are cold. It may help to run hands under warm water for a few minutes before attempting a finger stick. Additionally, fingers should be dried before using a lancing device, as this can help avoid the drop of blood being "watered down," which could result in an inaccurate reading.
• Stay active. People tend to get less exercise in cold weather, whether they have diabetes or not. Lack of exercise can cause blood sugars to run higher, so it's important that people with diabetes maintain an exercise routine in all kinds of weather. Indoor exercise can be done on a treadmill or stationary bike, or individuals can choose from the myriad of free workout videos found online.

Planning ahead to stay safe

There are many steps that can be taken to minimize risk in extreme weather. And, as with many things in life, preparation is key. It's wise to keep a few extra supplies on hand, if possible, and it's a good idea to take it easy when the weather is at its worst. With a little planning and a healthy dose of precaution, people with diabetes can play it safe in all kinds of weather!

Looking to read up on other aspects of living with diabetes? Explore the Edgepark website to access the library of helpful advice and insightful articles.