If you’re living with diabetes, you already know that managing your blood sugar involves more than just watching what you eat. But did you know that hot weather can also impact your blood sugar?
During the summer, your body has to work harder to stay cool. This puts stress on your body, which can raise your blood sugar. High temperatures can also increase insulin absorption, which might lead to low blood sugar. These changes can make managing diabetes during these hot Georgia summers a little more complicated.
Dehydration is another thing to think about. When you’re outside and you’re sweating more or not drinking enough water, your blood sugar can become more concentrated. If your blood sugar stays high, your body tries to flush out the extra glucose through your urine, which only increases your risk of dehydration. It can turn into a cycle that’s hard to break unless you’re paying close attention.
The good news is that with a few simple precautions, you can continue managing your diabetes safely, even during Georgia’s hottest months.
First, check your blood sugar more often when temperatures climb, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or doing any physical activity where you’ll be sweating more than usual. While you’re exercising and gardening are both examples of times to double check your blood sugar.Heat can affect how your body processes insulin and glucose, so staying on top of your numbers is key. If you notice unusual highs or lows, adjust your plan accordingly and contact your doctor if you’re unsure what to do.
Secondly, drink plenty of water throughout the day – even if you don’t feel thirsty. Staying hydrated helps your body keep your blood sugar in balance and can prevent overheating. And be sure to avoid sugary drinks or caffeine, which can make dehydration worse.
Finally, pay attention to how you feel. You know your body best, so if something feels off, listen to that feeling. If you’re dizzy, shaky, tired or confused, you could be dealing with high or low blood sugar, heat exhaustion or both. Don’t wait it out. Get to a cool place, rehydrate and seek medical attention if your symptoms don’t improve.
The summer heat doesn’t have to throw off your routine. At Northeast Georgia Physicians Group, our primary care physicians can help you adjust your diabetes management plan for the season. If you have questions or need to talk to a doctor, many of our providers are accepting new patients and would be happy to assist you. You can find a doctor who best suits your needs on our website.