Summer is officially here and it’s time to get ready for a season filled with fun adventures and outdoor activities. Summer brings countless opportunities to create lasting memories with family and friends. In the midst of the fun, though, it’s important to prioritize safety to keep the fun from turning into an unexpected accident. Living with diabetes is challenging and the summer time is no exception. Diabetes and summer can add more challenges into the day. In this post, we’ll explore some valuable tips to help you embrace the sun keeping safety a priority on your summer adventures.
Protect yourself from the sun: Apply sunscreen regularly, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing protect skin from harmful UV rays.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you do outdoor activities or spend time in the sun. Avoid high levels of alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can cause nausea.
Medication storage: Some diabetes medications, such as insulin, must be stored at a specific temperature. Excessive heat can reduce the effectiveness of insulin, making it less effective. It is important to store insulin properly as recommended by the manufacturer, keeping it in a cool place and avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat.
Use water safety: When swimming, make sure you are with other experienced swimmers. Follow safety rules in pools, lakes, or beaches, such as swimming in designated areas, not just swimming. When boating, wear a life jacket and follow all safety rules.
Risk of hypoglycemia: Although high temperatures do not directly cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), they can indirectly increase the risk. Heat causes increased physical activity, sweating and decreased appetite, all of which can affect blood sugar levels and can lead to hypoglycemia It is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly and adjust diabetes protocols as appropriate during warm weather.
Use proper food safety: At outdoor picnics, barbecues, or camping trips, be sure to keep perishable foods at the right temperature to prevent foodborne illness. Use a refrigerator with ice, store foods in airtight containers, and follow safe handling practices.
Be careful in extreme heat: Limit time spent outdoors during peak temperatures when temperatures rise sharply, stay in shady areas or air conditioning at all times ideally from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and use fans or air conditioning to keep the room cool.
Preventing heat-related illnesses: Learn to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion (e.g., excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness) and heat stroke (e.g., dry hot skin). , confusion, doubt).
Skin: For diabetics, heat and sweating can lead to skin-related problems. Excessive sweating can cause skin irritation, such as burns or fungal infections, which can take a long time to heal due to poor circulation and compromised immune function It is important to keep clean good, keep skin clean and dry, and address any skin issues immediately.
Foot Care: Diabetics often suffer from decreased circulation and arthritis (nerve damage). Elevated temperatures can increase the risk of foot complications such as blisters, ulcers, or fungal infections. It is important to wear appropriate footwear, keep your feet clean and dry, check regularly for abnormalities and seek treatment for any signs of infection or injury.
Protect against mosquitoes: Use insecticides to protect against mosquito bites, especially in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are common. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks in tick-prone areas, and check for ticks regularly after spending time in grassy or wooded areas.
Practice Outdoor Activity Safety: Whether you are hiking, biking, or participating in other outdoor activities, take appropriate safety precautions. Wear safety gear, follow trail instructions, tell someone about your plans, and be prepared with things like maps, water, and first aid kits.
Keep informed of local conditions: weather forecasts, health advisories, and any safety warnings issued by local authorities. Identify potential hazards or hazards specific to your area and plan accordingly.
Overall well-being: Extreme heat can make individuals with diabetes feel uncomfortable and tired, which can affect how well they manage their condition. It’s important to listen to your body, take breaks when you need them, and seek out cool places when you need them.
Remember that these are general guidelines, and specific security measures may vary depending on your location, activity and personal circumstances. Always call your medical providers for direct assistance. Stay alert, use common sense, and put your well-being first as you enjoy the summer.
All the love,
Trisha BSN, RN
The Diabetic Diabetes Nurse'
References
Diabetes and hot weather. (n.d.). Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/hot-weather
Diabetes- Hot Weather Safety. (n.d.). Www.nationwidechildrens.org. Retrieved June 22, 2023, from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/family-resources-library/diabetes-hot-weather-safety
Managing Diabetes in the Heat. (2022, July 27). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/manage-diabetes-heat.html#:~:text=Don
Philadelphia, T. C. H. of. (2014, May 5). Summer Safety Tips and Diabetes. Www.chop.edu. https://www.chop.edu/health-resources/summer-safety-tips-and-diabetes
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