Sun, warmth, vacation – and of course diabetes comes along with it.
Summer brings with it some special features that people with diabetes should keep in mind. Temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, changes in daily routine, outdoor exercise, and travel affect blood sugar levels more than you might think. Here are the most important tips for a safe and relaxed summer with diabetes – with a little humor, but without any heatstroke.
1. Insulin & heat – not a good combination
Insulin is temperature-sensitive and loses its effectiveness in extreme heat. Starting at 25 ° C you should be careful, from 30 Temperatures become critical at temperatures above 10° C. Especially in a car or in direct sunlight, it can quickly become too warm.
Tip:
Always keep your insulin cool – ideally in a cooler bag or a special insulin cooler case. Make sure blood glucose meters, sensors, and test strips are not exposed to direct heat.
Zuckerschmuck offers you all imaginable cooling bags for insulin when traveling, which are perfectly suited to your needs: from diabetes travel bags to cooling insulin pen bags, cooling bags for insulin vials or cooling insulin pump bags, we have everything in our range:
Have you heard of our Frio cooler bags? They're available in an incredible range of colors and styles. You're sure to find the perfect cooler bag for you!
How about this one, for example?
FRÍO Design Cooler Travel Bag 2 Pens Tropical – Sugar Jewelry
2. Fluid balance – Drinking is especially important for diabetes
In high temperatures, the body loses fluids more quickly – through sweating, but also through breathing. Dehydration can cause blood sugar levels to rise, as glucose becomes more concentrated in the blood. At the same time, physical activity or exercise can lead to hypoglycemia.
Tip:
Drink plenty of fluids – preferably water or unsweetened beverages. 1.5 to 2 liters a day is ideal, more in hot weather. Watch for signs of dehydration: headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or dry skin.
3. Exercise & sport – good for blood sugar, but not without planning
In summer, many people are more active—whether swimming, hiking, or cycling. This is generally a good thing, but increased activity can lead to hypoglycemia, especially in combination with heat.
Tip:
- Check your blood sugar regularly – before, during and after exercise.
- Always have fast-acting carbohydrates with you (e.g. B. glucose or fruit juice).
- Also pay attention to the after-effects – hypoglycemia can occur several hours after exercise.
If you're looking for a way to store your quick carbohydrates, our Hypoboxes are highly recommended:
Diabetes HYPO BOX large "Don't eat my Hypo Treats" – sugar decoration
4. Traveling with diabetes – preparation is everything
Different time zones, changes in eating habits, or unfamiliar physical activity can affect blood sugar levels. The risk of forgetting important items or exposing them to heat is also higher when traveling.
Tip:
- Take enough medication, measuring devices and accessories with you – it’s better to have too much than too little.
- Keep everything in your hand luggage – even when traveling by plane.
- In case of emergency: a medical certificate (e.g. B. for carrying insulin on an airplane), an emergency ID card or a note on the smartphone can be helpful.
To ensure that you have all the essentials related to your diabetes with you on vacation, we recommend one of our travel bags.
The advantage is that you can store everything together, so you don't have to search for anything!
Feel free to click through our category Diabetes Travel Bag – Sugar Jewelry
Here you'll find bags in all colors and sizes. There's sure to be one to suit your taste.
5. Do not neglect foot care if you have diabetes
In summer, people walk barefoot or in open shoes more often, increasing the risk of injuries, sunburn, or burns. Especially with diabetic neuropathy (reduced pain sensitivity), minor injuries can easily be overlooked.
Tip:
- Wear protective footwear, even at the beach or pool.
- Check your feet regularly for injuries or pressure points.
- Take good care of your feet – dry skin or cracks can be entry points for infections.
On the topic of skin protection and skin care you will find many different products here Skin protection + adhesive remover – sugar jewelry
Conclusion: Stay safe through the summer with diabetes – with planning and mindfulness
Getting through the summer with diabetes is absolutely doable – if you keep a few things in mind. Heat, hydration, physical activity, and good preparation make all the difference. And even if summer brings a few challenges, with the right approach, you can enjoy the warm season to the fullest.
