It’s an unusually hot and steamy summer so we are all feeling the heat right now, but if you are one of the more than 960,000 Michiganders living with diabetes (estimated by the American Diabetes Association) then you need to take extra precautions. Extreme heat can cause fluctuations in blood sugar, making diabetes harder to control. Extreme heat also triggers excessive sweating, and this can lead to dehydration, another risk factor for higher blood sugar levels.
According to Teladoc Health,
the largest telehealth provider in the US, which has an engaging, clinically powerful diabetes management program with expert health coaches, there are several steps Michiganders living with diabetes can take to stay safe in the summer months. These include:
- Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks, which can make dehydration worse.
- Checking your blood sugar levels more frequently as you may need to adjust your dosage. When it is hot, the way your body absorbs insulin can fluctuate
- Looking at your other medications. For example, if you take diuretics, you might need to work with your provider to adjust the dosage during a heat wave.
- Avoiding heat damage to your medication. Very hot temperatures can damage insulin and test strips – so don’t leave your supplies in a hot car. You might want to get a cooler bag for the summer to store your medicine when you are on the go.
- Exercising during cooler times of the day and taking frequent breaks when you do exercise
- Preventing sunburns; getting sunburnt can raise your blood sugar levels, so wear a hat, loose clothing, plenty of sunscreen and keep in the shade when possible.
- Carrying glucose tablets or gel with you just in case your blood sugar level dips too low. Be aware of the symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels – a health coach or clinician can provide advice if you are unsure.
For Michiganders with diabetes,
Teladoc Health’s diabetes management program can provide peace of mind, during the summer and all year round. Participants receive a step-by-step action plan, tips on nutrition and activity and one-on-one support and personalized feedback from an expert health coach. In addition, members can sign up for diabetes alerts, which prompts a coach to reach out immediately if a member’s blood sugar reading drops or rises to a dangerous level. A coach will then guide the member through the episode and stay with them until they feel better. This support can make all the difference in controlling sugar levels and help to prevent long-term complications.
One in four Americans now have access to Teladoc Health services through their employer or health plan; those who do not can still access select services at a flat rate per visit, without surprising fees or costs. For more information go to www.teladochealth.com.