Staying Safe in Summer

The heat is unbearable and undoubtedly, such heat and humidity affects some people with chronic conditions more than it does others.
If you have diabetes, here are some general tips to keep you safe when the weather is at its hottest.
Prevent dehydration. If you have high blood sugar the scorching heat along with your high sugar level can cause dehydration. So keep drinking lots of water and sugarless fluids. Avoid sugary beverages and sports drinks.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a complete no-no beverage for you as it can affect your body's ability to regulate body temperature.
Make plan for your physical activities. Be strategic while planning exercise and outdoor activities. Try to do your exercise, jogging or walking during the cooler hours of the day. Try to walk through the road which has shady trees
Dress appropriately. Don't overdress and wear comfortable cotton clothes so that the sweat evaporates easily.
Check your sugar levels regularly: keep track of your blood glucose levels by checking them often everyday. Remember that heat can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate.

Heat exhaustion symptoms
heat exhaustion occurs when your body produces more heat than it can release.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
Heavy sweating
Dizziness
Fatigue
Weak, rapid pulse
Low blood pressure upon standing
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Headache
If you experience any of these symptoms on a hot, especially humid day, it's important that you take steps to avoid heat stroke.

Avoid heat stroke
If you are a diabetic patient and you are exposed to sun for longer period you are at the greatest risk for medical emergency like heat stroke. Don't let your body temperature rise dramatically, the following tips will help you to cool down your body temperature and get rid of the heat exhaustion.
Take rest in a cool and shady spot: be it a shady tree or an air-conditioned building rest on your back with your legs elevated.
Drink lots of cool fluids. There is no substitute to water, drink plenty of them
Take a cool shower or bath. A cool shower will help to cool you down. If not possible, just wipe down your face and neck areas with a cool cloth.
Make yourself comfortable. If possible remove unnecessary clothing. Also loosen your clothing and let the air pass through your body.
If these measures don't help you feel better, seek prompt medical attention without any further delay.

Remember:
Try to protect your testing supplies and insulin from direct sunlight.
Keep carrying case and testing supplies dry. Testing supplies exposed to humidity can provide altered blood glucose test results.
Always travel with snacks and your own water bottle.
Continuing to monitor blood glucose on a regular schedule is imperative
Pack several pairs of comfortable, closed-toe shoes and plenty of clean socks that you can change often to prevent soreness and blisters on feet if doing a lot of walking.
Eat lots of colorful vegetables rather than white refined carbohydrates, like bread, chips, or pasta.
Stay hydrated and enjoy your summer.