Tues. House Call: Diabetes and Heat Dangers
By: Shelby Levins
Updated: June 21, 2011
MIDLAND - In this week's Tuesday House Call, Dr. Ponder discusses the dangers of extreme heat for diabetics and offers tips to stay safe.
While the heat takes its toll on everyone, people with diabetes are more susceptible to heat exhaustion.
Heat reduces a person's total body water through evaporation. That in turn, causes biochemical stress on the body. Stress hormones then raise blood sugar, and less water in a person's blood, concentrates sugar levels
So some things to remember if you have diabetes -
- When outdoors, drink in regular intervals
- Check blood sugar levels more often
- Wear proper headwear and footwear
Also protect your diabetes equipment and technology. Blood sugar meters don't like temperatures great than 104OF. And the insulin in pumps can be damaged by high heat too.
Bottom line - don't leave your supplies or medication inside hot cars.
