How is Diabetes Affected by Warm Climate?

Patients with diabetes may find it difficult to cope with a warm climate. This is especially if they already have developed nerve damage or neuropathy. Yet, warm or hot climate is something that cannot be avoided. People with diabetes must know how to deal with warm climate in case they are trapped.

People with diabetes may find it difficult to sweat and cool the body during warm climates. Many diabetics are not aware that there are more dehydration, hospitalizations and death happening when the weather is hot or warm. Yet, they do not put more seriousness in focusing on keeping healthy in this situation.

During hot or warm climate, sweat rates stop in the skin and body of diabetics. For this reason, it cannot cool the body and it is not an advantage.
Also, hot temperatures especially summer lead to high humidity and heat stress among the population and diabetics most likely to suffer from this.
What diabetics can do

For diabetics with neuropathy, they have to take care of themselves more. People with diabetes should be more cautious in avoiding the heat especially during warm climates, like going early in the morning or after dark. As much as possible, avoid caffeine and the drinks that contain it like tea, coffee, sodas and alcohol. Drinking water is also important to stay hydrated.

Exercise in gyms that have air-conditioner, cover yourself with some protection with breathable, light fabric clothing when going outside.

Medications

The power of insulin can be affected by warm temperature. For patients who are taking insulin, ask your doctor or health care team as you may want to cut down on insulin pump reservoir. You may ask if you can change the current insulin so as to retain its power.

For people with diabetes, please take note that you should be very careful of where to place or store insulin during warm climates or even cold weather. Insulin breaks down or will not work if it is exposed to extreme temperatures.