Diabetes kit We don’t get to complain too often about the heat here in Britain, but when temperatures do soar, it can cause problems for people with diabetes, especially if it’s humid at the same time.
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in the US, working with scientists from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), surveyed diabetes patients in Phoenix, Arizona, an area renowned for its extreme high temperatures. In summer, the mercury rarely dips below 35 degrees.
What they found, after analysing the data, was that despite living in an area known for its heat, diabetes sufferers weren’t aware of how their illness can make them respond differently to high temperatures. Apparently, most were unaware that people with diabetes don’t sweat as effectively as others, which puts them at higher risk of heat stroke or exhaustion, for example.
For people living in the UK, where heat waves don’t occur that often, the potential risk should not be underestimated, precisely because people are less likely to be aware of possible problems.
As well as checking the temperature, you need to take into account humidity levels to help decide whether you can sensibly take that trip into town, go jogging or for a long walk. What’s more, increased humidity further slows down your body’s cooling system – sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly from your skin as when there is less moisture in the air.
Although most insulin users know it needs to be kept cool, the researchers were concerned that many people being treated with oral medications might not realise their tablets could also be less effective if exposed to heat. They recommend checking your medication for optimum temperature range – if it has been exposed to heat greater than the upper limit, you should get another prescription.
NB The temperature in some places, such as cars, for example, can dramatically exceed that of the ambient air temperature so be extra careful when carrying medication in your glove compartment.
First published June 23, 2010