Summer Vacation and Diabetes
Share
Summer is already just around the corner, the first heat waves have made their appearance and most of us are planning our summer vacations!
People with diabetes belong to vulnerable groups, who should
take appropriate measures during the summer months to
enjoy their summer, without surprises and without putting themselves in danger
risk to their health. High temperatures combined with
humidity affects both the body of people who
suffer from diabetes, as well as the effectiveness of
medications used to regulate them.
Insulins, as well as blood glucose strips, meters and insulin pumps, are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures. Maintaining a stable internal temperature is equally important, as an increase of even one to two degrees can lead to heat stroke. A dangerous condition that can disrupt the regulation of blood sugar levels.
glucose and even take you to the hospital for treatment
first aid.
Patients with uncontrolled diabetes or those who have already experienced complications in the small vessels and nerves are more susceptible. But there is no need to worry! With a few simple precautions, you can safely enjoy the most carefree time of the year!
✓ Consult your doctor and follow his/her instructions. You may need to adjust your insulin or diabetes medication dose. Usually in the summer our physical activity increases and the
Insulin is absorbed more quickly by your body when it is warm. This can lead to a rapid decrease in blood glucose and unwanted hypoglycemia. Your medication may also need to be adjusted if you travel to a foreign country that has a time difference with Greece.
✓ Before you leave for vacation, consider taking more consumables (tapes, measuring needles, catheters) than you would normally use, so you don't have to worry about not having enough of your medications.
✓ If you travel by plane, you will need to provide airport security officers with a report from your treating physician certifying your condition, as well as a certificate for the medications you are taking.
✓ If you take insulin, make sure to transport it and store it in a cool place (preferably in an insulated bag with ice packs and then in the refrigerator).
✓ Never leave antidiabetic medications and supplies in the car, or under an umbrella. They need an insulated bag with an ice pack to prevent them from spoiling and losing their effectiveness.
✓ Once you arrive at your destination, make sure to find out where the nearest health center or hospital is in case of emergency.
✓ Stay in the shade and avoid prolonged sunbathing. Do not neglect to use high-protection sunscreen and wear a hat during the hours when the sun's rays are most intense. Limit outdoor activities, especially on very hot days or during midday hours. Especially if your diabetes is uncontrolled, you need special attention
to cope with the heat wave.
✓ Before swimming or water sports, take a measurement and if the value is low, drink a juice or postpone the exercise for a while by eating a light snack to prevent a possible hypoglycemia. Always prefer to be with company for more fun and safety!
✓ Avoid walking barefoot on the sand, on the beach, in the pool, in the locker rooms, and even in your home, as there is a possibility that you could get burned or cause a cut or minor injury without realizing it.
✓ In case of a cold or gastroenteritis, measure your glucose more frequently and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
✓ Prefer small, frequent, light meals, plenty of salads, fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty foods and saturated fats.
✓ Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty, as patients with diabetes dehydrate more quickly than the general population. You can also consume tea with lemon without sugar, soda, light soft drinks with your meal. Natural juice has carbohydrates that you should calculate to make the appropriate dose. Caution is also needed in alcohol consumption, as with overconsumption, there is a risk of hypoglycemia and
weight gain in the long term.
✓ Dress in light, comfortable cotton clothes.
✓ Stay indoors, in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest hours of the day.
✓ If you feel unwell, have a headache or a fast heartbeat, stop what you are doing. Go to a cool place and consult your doctor.
✓ If you sweat a lot, make sure to replenish the electrolytes (sodium) you lose.
✓ Always have with you what you need to deal with any hypoglycemia. A light snack, glucose tablets or gel, even a juice with sugar. If you have frequent hypoglycemia, do not neglect to have your glucagon or ID card with you that says you suffer from diabetes.
✓ By following simple, basic self-protection rules with caution, good mood and with the people you love, you can spend a wonderful summer just as you dream of and deserve!
People with diabetes belong to vulnerable groups, who should
take appropriate measures during the summer months to
enjoy their summer, without surprises and without putting themselves in danger
risk to their health. High temperatures combined with
humidity affects both the body of people who
suffer from diabetes, as well as the effectiveness of
medications used to regulate them.
Insulins, as well as blood glucose strips, meters and insulin pumps, are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures. Maintaining a stable internal temperature is equally important, as an increase of even one to two degrees can lead to heat stroke. A dangerous condition that can disrupt the regulation of blood sugar levels.
glucose and even take you to the hospital for treatment
first aid.
Patients with uncontrolled diabetes or those who have already experienced complications in the small vessels and nerves are more susceptible. But there is no need to worry! With a few simple precautions, you can safely enjoy the most carefree time of the year!
✓ Consult your doctor and follow his/her instructions. You may need to adjust your insulin or diabetes medication dose. Usually in the summer our physical activity increases and the
Insulin is absorbed more quickly by your body when it is warm. This can lead to a rapid decrease in blood glucose and unwanted hypoglycemia. Your medication may also need to be adjusted if you travel to a foreign country that has a time difference with Greece.
✓ Before you leave for vacation, consider taking more consumables (tapes, measuring needles, catheters) than you would normally use, so you don't have to worry about not having enough of your medications.
✓ If you travel by plane, you will need to provide airport security officers with a report from your treating physician certifying your condition, as well as a certificate for the medications you are taking.
✓ If you take insulin, make sure to transport it and store it in a cool place (preferably in an insulated bag with ice packs and then in the refrigerator).
✓ Never leave antidiabetic medications and supplies in the car, or under an umbrella. They need an insulated bag with an ice pack to prevent them from spoiling and losing their effectiveness.
✓ Once you arrive at your destination, make sure to find out where the nearest health center or hospital is in case of emergency.
✓ Stay in the shade and avoid prolonged sunbathing. Do not neglect to use high-protection sunscreen and wear a hat during the hours when the sun's rays are most intense. Limit outdoor activities, especially on very hot days or during midday hours. Especially if your diabetes is uncontrolled, you need special attention
to cope with the heat wave.
✓ Before swimming or water sports, take a measurement and if the value is low, drink a juice or postpone the exercise for a while by eating a light snack to prevent a possible hypoglycemia. Always prefer to be with company for more fun and safety!
✓ Avoid walking barefoot on the sand, on the beach, in the pool, in the locker rooms, and even in your home, as there is a possibility that you could get burned or cause a cut or minor injury without realizing it.
✓ In case of a cold or gastroenteritis, measure your glucose more frequently and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
✓ Prefer small, frequent, light meals, plenty of salads, fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty foods and saturated fats.
✓ Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty, as patients with diabetes dehydrate more quickly than the general population. You can also consume tea with lemon without sugar, soda, light soft drinks with your meal. Natural juice has carbohydrates that you should calculate to make the appropriate dose. Caution is also needed in alcohol consumption, as with overconsumption, there is a risk of hypoglycemia and
weight gain in the long term.
✓ Dress in light, comfortable cotton clothes.
✓ Stay indoors, in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest hours of the day.
✓ If you feel unwell, have a headache or a fast heartbeat, stop what you are doing. Go to a cool place and consult your doctor.
✓ If you sweat a lot, make sure to replenish the electrolytes (sodium) you lose.
✓ Always have with you what you need to deal with any hypoglycemia. A light snack, glucose tablets or gel, even a juice with sugar. If you have frequent hypoglycemia, do not neglect to have your glucagon or ID card with you that says you suffer from diabetes.
✓ By following simple, basic self-protection rules with caution, good mood and with the people you love, you can spend a wonderful summer just as you dream of and deserve!