Summer Sense: Diabetic Care Tips

Cover image of a woman with darker skin tones and beautiful gray wavy hair testing her blood glucose with a monitor on the front porch with a sunny green yard with trees.

Summer is a great time of year. Time to get outside and enjoy parks, walks, swimming, all things in nature, travel for vacation, or whatever you like to do. For a person with diabetes there should be some thought of what needs to be done to make the person safe and healthy. Safety tips can help.

Here are some key summer safety considerations:

Manage Glucose

Blood glucose management is vital. Be aware that hot weather can affect blood sugars, potentially causing levels to lower, similar to the effects of exercise. Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat It may be beneficial to check levels of blood sugar more frequently and/or keep an eye on a continuous glucose monitor if the person has one. Always seek medical attention or advice if there are any concerns about outdoor activity or travel.

Please check out this handout on signs of low blood sugar and how to treat from NovoCare^® Diabetes Education and Resources. You might also like to visit their website at: https://www.novocare.com. As always, seek medical advice for any treatments.

Photo of someone taking another person's blood sugar reading on a glucose monitor. Icon in the corner is warning symbol (yellow triangle) with blood and sugar cube graphic

Hydrate

Dehydration is very common in the summer. We sweat a lot and do not always replace the fluid lost in perspiration. Dehydration can significantly impact blood sugar levels. So, staying hydrated is especially important. Be sure to keep hydrated, with water if possible. Always have water readily available. With outdoor activities and with long car rides. You would be surprised how much we sweat and how much fluid is lost with long rides.

Photo of a black elderly man with gray hair drinking a water bottle outside. Icon in the corner is warning symbol (yellow triangle) with H20 water droplet graphic

Eat Healthy

Eating in the summer can be a joy. Fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant. However, so are outdoor parties and celebrations. Choose healthy food options and have healthy choices always available. Focus on low-carb options that are within the diet.

Photo of someone in a wheelchair eating healthy food from a bowl. The nearby clean counter shows bowls of fruit, veggies, breads, and teas Icon in the corner is warning symbol (yellow triangle) with a heart, spoon, fork graphic.

Store Insulin

Insulin safety is a must. Hot temperatures destroy insulin or can cause bacteria to go within the insulin pen or vial. Keep insulin cool in an insulated lunchbox or something similar with a cold pack. Avoid storing insulin or any other diabetic supplies in hot cars or in direct sunlight. It’s also important to keep up on getting diabetic supplies for any type of natural disater that could occur and you may not be able to get them.

Photo of a woman self injecting insulin. Icon in the corner is warning symbol (yellow triangle) with insulin bottle and syringe.

Guard against the sun

Sunburns can raise blood sugars! Stay in the shade and wear sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a waterproof sunscreen with 30 SPF or higher. (1)

Photo of young woman applying sunscreen with trees in the background. Icon in the corner is warning symbol (yellow triangle) with bottle of SPF 30 sunscreen.

Foot Care Considerations

Foot care is a must! Summertime for many means flip-flops and sandals. For a person with diabetes wearing flip-flops or sandals can be a recipe for disaster. Avoid going barefoot also at the pool or the beach. Wear appropriate footwear when walking distances as well.

Photo of two feet highlighted in red Icon in the corner is warning symbol (yellow triangle) with two footprints and heart shape.

Here are 7 summer foot care tips for diabetics directly from Care Plus Foot and Ankle Specialists:

1. Always wear shoes that fit correctly. If needed, ask your podiatrist about diabetic shoes and custom inserts to keep your feet healthy while you are active.

2. Cleanse your feet daily. Inspect the bottoms and tops of your feet daily and keep your toenails clipped straight across.

3. Don’t walk barefoot while outdoors. Rocks, trash, debris, and broken glass can puncture the skin and lead to infection. Walking on sand or hot sidewalks can quickly cause burns or blisters on your feet.

4. Maintain proper levels of blood glucose. In addition to monitoring your blood glucose levels, be sure to stick to a healthy diet, and use medication as prescribed by your doctor.

5. Attend to any wounds. If you notice any foot wound, clean it, apply antibiotic cream, and place a sterile bandage over it. Finally, call your podiatrist for advice.

6. Moisturize daily. Apply a soothing cream for dry skin on the tops and bottoms of your feet every day.

7. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can alleviate foot swelling from heat and improve circulation. (2)

Conclusion

Summer time is a great time of year. Having diabetes doesn’t mean you miss out on anything! Just take a few minutes to be sure you are safe and well prepared.