Summer Fun and Diabetes
Summer, a time for outdoor fun, vacations, the boat, the beach,
relaxing in the sun- all great past times during the summer months.
But as the days of summer continue and the heat and humidity
intensify, managing your diabetes can be a challenge.
Those with diabetes or other chronic diseases may face additional
obstacles due to summer temperatures and conditions. Hot weather can
cause dehydration quickly. This can happen when blood sugar levels
are high no matter what the surrounding temperatures are or if you
are taking certain medications to treat certain conditions. So it is
twice as important to focus on your fluid intake during the dog days
of summer!
There are several other important considerations to pay attention to
during the summer months. Here are a few tips and thoughts to think
about to prevent dehydration and take optimal care of your diabetes.
• Drink plenty of caffeine-free beverages such as water, seltzer,
sugar-free drinks like iced tea, lemonade, etc.
• Pay attention for signs of heat exhaustion especially if you are
exercising or working outdoors. These include feeling dizzy,
fainting, sweating excessively, muscle cramps, cold or clammy skin,
headaches, rapid heartbeat and/or nausea. If you feel any of these
get into a cooler location, drink water and contact your health care
provider.
• Exercise in an air conditioned place or early in the morning or
later in the evening.
• Check blood glucose levels more frequently, especially if you are
not feeling well. Heat can cause blood glucose to fluctuate.
• Keep your glucometer, strips, insulin and other medications in a
cool dry place. Do not store them in the freezer, hot car or direct
sunlight. Insulated bags with small refreezable ice packs are great
to keep your things cool.
Take the Summer Diabetes Survival Quiz & see if you are ready to
focus on the sun and fun of the summer.
1. For people with diabetes, flip flops are preferable to going
barefoot.
TRUE FALSE
2. Sunscreen isn’t necessary when going for rides in the car.
TRUE FALSE
3. You should shield your glucose meter from the sun when testing
your blood sugar.
TRUE FALSE
4. Sunburn can affect your blood sugar levels.
TRUE FALSE
5. When it comes to medications, room temperature is always fine.
TRUE FALSE
6. In hot weather (900 or above) food should never sit out for more
than 1 hour.
TRUE FALSE
7. Swimming or playing in the hot summer sun can mask the symptoms
of a high or low blood sugar.
TRUE FALSE
8. Insulin must be refrigerated at all times.
TRUE FALSE
ANSWERS
1. FALSE- People with diabetes should not go barefoot or wear flip
flops. Both leave your feet vulnerable to blisters or sores which
can become infected. Flip flops can also cause slipping and injury.
2. FALSE- Even in your car the sun can reach you through a window or
sunroof and you can get sunburned. SO put on that sunscreen with an
SPF of at least 15.
3. TRUE- If the test strips are exposed to direct sunlight and heat
it can cause inaccurate blood glucose readings and results. If your
symptoms are not matching your blood sugar results, contact your
health care provider.
4. TRUE- A sunburn can cause blood sugar to skyrocket! It can also
help cause dehydration. Take precautions in the sun- protect your
skin and your diabetes.
5. FALSE- When the summer season arrives, room temperature may no
longer be the 720 you expect. Make sure your medications are stored
away from excessive heat and the cold blast of the air conditioner.
Check the labels or ask your pharmacist for the best way to store
medications.
6. TRUE- In temperatures under 900, the general rule is foods should
not sit out for more than 2 hours. On hot days in the summer, plan
ahead when you grocery shop. Bring a cooler along with ice packs so
you can put the perishables in it for the ride home.
7. TRUE- All that summer fun may mask your symptoms of low or high
blood glucose. You can be sweating while in the water and not know
it, which can be a sign of low blood glucose, or if you are out in
the sun and are thirsty it could be from the sun and heat or a low
blood glucose. Test often to be sure you are summer safe all the
time.
8. FALSE- Opened bottles of insulin can remain at room temperature
for approximately 28 days. Unopened bottles can last up to 12
months. Take care to make sure your insulin is protected from
extreme heat or cold at all times!
So kick back- take a swim- go on vacation- relax in the summer
warmth- focus on fun and be smart when it comes to your diabetes
care.
Enjoy these summer recipes- anytime! The
No-Oven meal and No-Bake dessert won’t heat up your kitchen!
Sweet Italian Marinated Vegetable Salad
5 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
½ can (14 ounces) quartered artichoke hearts, drained
2 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼ inch cubes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano,
crushed
2 tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon dried pepper flakes
Stir together all ingredients in medium bowl. For pronounced flavor,
serve immediately, or chill 1 hour for more blended flavors.
Nutrition Information:
Serving size ¾ cup
Calories: 97
Total Fat: 6 grams
Saturated fat: 1 gram
Protein: 4 grams
Carbohydrate: 9 grams
Cholesterol: 9 mg.
(Can add cubes of boneless skinless chicken, tuna, or shrimp to make
a complete meal)
(Can substitute part-skim mozzarella cheese to reduce fat content)
No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
1 cup butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups uncooked quick oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup crunchy or creamy peanut butter
1. Grease 9-inch square baking pan. Melt butter in large saucepan
over medium heat. Add brown sugar and vanilla; mix well.
2. Stir in oats. Cook over low heat 2-3 minutes or until ingredients
are well blended. Press half of mixture into prepared pan. Use back
of spoon to spread mixture evenly.
3. Melt chocolate chips in small heavy saucepan over low heat,
stirring occasionally. Stir in peanut butter. Pour chocolate mixture
over oat mixture in pan; spread evenly with knife or back of spoon.
Crumble remaining oat mixture over chocolate layer; press down
evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate 2-3 hours or overnight. Bring to room
temperature before cutting into bars.
5.
Makes 32 bar
Nutrition Information
1 bar per serving
Calories: 142
Total Fat: 10 grams
Saturated Fat: 5 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Carbohydrate: 13 grams
Cholesterol: 15 mg.
Dietary fiber: 1 gram
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