Managing Diabetes in Extreme Heat

Living in the desert, or visiting, means dealing with intense temperatures, especially during the summer. Extreme weather can change how your body uses insulin and increase your risk of heat-related illnesses.

At Palm Desert Urgent Care, in Palm Desert, CA, Manzoor Kazi, MD, provides patients with proactive strategies to prevent dangerous blood sugar spikes and dehydration when the thermostat skyrockets. 

Here’s what he tells them. 

How high temperatures affect blood sugar

Extreme heat can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate unpredictably. When you get hot, your metabolism speeds up, causing your body to absorb insulin more rapidly. This shift increases your risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

Conversely, if you don't drink enough water, dehydration can raise your blood glucose levels. When your body loses water, the sugar in your blood becomes more concentrated. High blood sugar also causes frequent urination, which worsens dehydration and creates a dangerous cycle for your body.

Protecting your medical supplies from heat

Diabetes medications and testing equipment are sensitive to temperature extremes. Insulin loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to direct sunlight or temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If your insulin degrades, it won't control your blood sugar properly.

• Store insulin in a refrigerator or a cool travel pack.
• Never leave your glucose meter or test strips in a hot car.
• Keep your supplies out of direct sunlight when you're outdoors.
• Check your equipment user manual for specific storage limits.

Where you store your supplies matters as much as your daily habits. A ruined batch of insulin or a damaged glucose meter can lead to inaccurate readings and poor blood sugar control.

Staying hydrated and recognizing heat illness

Dehydration occurs quicker in people with diabetes. High glucose levels impair your body's ability to sweat and regulate its internal temperature. To prevent complications, drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you aren’t thirsty.

Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol, as they contribute to fluid loss. The signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, and muscle cramps. If you notice these, move to a cool environment and check your blood sugar immediately. Heat illness symptoms can mimic low blood sugar.

Nerve damage and heat tolerance

Many people don't realize that long-term diabetes can physically alter how your body cools itself down. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can cause autonomic neuropathy, which is a specific type of nerve damage that affects involuntary functions. This type of nerve injury directly impacts your sweat glands and circulatory system.

When your autonomic nerves don't function correctly, your body can't accurately gauge internal temperature changes. As a result, you might sweat too much or, more dangerously, you might not sweat enough when you're exposed to extreme heat. Without adequate sweat production, your body loses its primary method for releasing trapped heat, which significantly increases your risk of suffering from a sudden heat-related medical emergency.

For help managing your diabetes this summer and yearround, call Palm Desert Urgent Care or book an appointment through our online portal.