As Temperatures Soar, so Do Health Concerns for Diabetics

There is no direct link between glucose levels and heat but people with diabetes need to be cautious when the temperature scores. Heatstroke is a major concern for diabetics. Dr. Adrienne Nassar, a Mayo Clinic medical resident , said in a news release, "People with diabetes have an impaired ability to sweat, which predisposes them to heat-related illness, as do uncontrolled, high blood sugars." She added: "Heat illness can take place at 80 to 90 degrees when you factor in the heat index." A survey conducted by the Mayo Clinic in Arizona found that out of the 152 respondents 1 in 5 respondents wouldn't have any special precautions until the temperature was over 100 degrees. Heat stroke can occur in temperatures much lower than 100 degrees.

Dehydration: High glucose levels cause dehydration in diabetics. Hanging around outside during hot weather causes dehydration anyways but if a person's glucose level is elevated, the danger of serious dehydration and heat stroke is even greater. Jay Culter, a football player for the Denver Broncos, has type 1 Diabetes. In an interview with Diabetes Forecast Magazine, he discussed how he dealt with heat and his glucose levels during summer training "We have OTAs [off-season training activities] and mini camps all through the summer, so we had some dry runs in May, so I've got a good feel for it. Obviously when the intensity picks up and the heat picks up it lowers you a bit more, so you just have to be careful with it and make sure you check it. If I start feeling a little weak I check it and have some Gatorade. It's an ongoing process, it's always a battle." When speaking of monitoring his glucose levels on game days he said "I check my blood sugar about four or five times before the game-try to stay around 150 to 160 [mg/dl]before kickoff. Most of the time, I prick my finger every time we come off the field, especially in the first half. There are definitely dangers out there-we try to avoid them at all costs. That's why we check as many times as we do. I think the worst thing imaginable would be to get really low and pass out in the middle of a play, or in the huddle. That would scare a lot of people. I try to avoid it as much as possible, but it's still a reality that could happen."

Prevention: In order to prevent dehydration, make sure that there is a cooler of drinks near by. Avoid sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages, as they may cause more dehydration and affect insulin levels. If possible, stay inside with the air conditioner on during the hottest hours of the day. It's recommended that a person check their blood glucose levels several times during a particularly hot day to make sure that their level is in check.

Insulin Levels: Summer time is the time to get out of the house and engage in rigorous activities. Running around all day makes a person hungry. The increase in food intake can cause a person to need to adjust their insulin levels.

Prevention: Check insulin levels frequently and keep extra amounts of insulin in a cooler with the extra drinks to combat dehydration. Also make sure to check your test equipments instructions to make sure that your test equipment is being stored at its correct temperature for the most accurate results.

Websites used for this article:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2010/06/diabetes-diabetics-heat-survey-awareness-precuations.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-and-diabetes/MY00806

http://forecast.diabetes.org/magazine/kids-families/bears-quarterback-jay-cutler-answers-10-questions