(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Kos Diabetes Group: Diabetes and Heat Intolerance [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2024-06-21 With a large portion of the country suffering under extreme high heat, I felt that it was a good time to talk about what you need to do and watch for as a diabetic. Some people can develop serious or even life-threatening symptoms in response to heat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, are responsible for more than 600 deaths in the United States each year. x YouTube Video People with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes feel the heat more than people who don’t have diabetes. Here are the reasons why: Certain diabetes complications, such as damage to blood vessels and nerves, can affect your sweat glands so your body can’t cool as effectively . That can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are medical emergencies. People with diabetes get dehydrated more quickly in high heat. Not drinking enough liquids can raise blood glucose, and high blood glucose can make you urinate more, causing dehydration. High temperatures and heat can change how your body uses insulin . You may need to test your blood glucose more often and adjust your insulin dose and what you eat and drink. It’s always a good idea to check the heat index when temperatures soar—a measurement that combines temperature and humidity. Take steps to stay cool when it reaches 80°F in the shade with 40% humidity or above. The heat index can be up to 15°F higher in full sunlight, so stick to the shade when the weather warms up. For example, if the temperature is 90°F, a high humidity index can make it feel like 105°F. The symptoms of heat intolerance can vary from person to person but may include: feeling very hot in moderately warm temperatures excessive sweating not sweating enough in the heat exhaustion and fatigue during warm weather nausea, vomiting, or dizziness in response to heat changes in mood when too hot Extreme heat with diabetes can be dangerous. Recently, extreme heat has been reported in the United States and Europe. People may find that avoiding heat where possible and adopting strategies for safely managing any necessary time in hot conditions will help in the long term. Ways to manage heat intolerance include: Avoid direct sunlight. The sun tends to be at its hottest and brightest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Avoid strenuous activities during hot weather or in warm rooms. Drink plenty of water—even if you’re not thirsty—so you don’t get dehydrated. Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine, like coffee and energy or sports drinks. They can lead to water loss and spike your blood glucose levels. Check your blood glucose before, during, and after you’re active. You may need to change how much insulin you use. Ask your doctor if you would like help in adjusting your dosage. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Wear sunscreen and a hat when you’re outside. Sunburn can raise your blood sugar levels. Don’t go barefoot. Protect your feet always! Use an air conditioner or go to an air-conditioned building to stay cool. In very high heat, a room fan won’t cool you enough. Take a cool bath or go swimming in a pool. Wrap a towel soaked in cold water around the back of the neck. Physical activity is usually associated with reduced need for insulin, but in higher temperatures, people are at risk for both low and high blood glucose. x YouTube Video People with heat intolerance should carefully monitor themselves for signs of heat-related illness, such as: Nausea dizziness vomiting a rapid pulse very heavy sweating muscle cramps a headache extreme fatigue or fainting changes in mood Seek immediate medical attention for: an inability to sweat, even when very warm a body temperature above 103°F confusion loss of consciousness Prevention Managing medical conditions that cause heat intolerance can help prevent symptoms. Talk to your doctor about staying safe in the heat and ask whether any medications are available to help the body regulate its temperature. [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/6/21/2247752/-Kos-Diabetes-Group-Diabetes-and-Heat-Intolerance?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=latest_community&pm_medium=web Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/