As the summer temperatures rise, people diagnosed with diabetes should be aware of the proper precautions to taking care of themselves and their medicine.
Results in a new study, conducted by Adrienne Nassar, MD, third-year medical resident at Mayo Clinic, Arizona, show that people do protect themselves from the heat such as drinking more fluids, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding the heat by staying indoors, and being aware of the weather and rising temperatures.
While these precautions are important, 36% of patients leave medications or supplies at home when going out in the heat, despite knowing that they should protect their diabetes medications and glucose-testing supplies from heat exposure.”
The Mayo Clinic in Arizona has conducted research that shows that people with diabetes are more likely to be hospitalized, experience dehydration, and even death due to the heat. Nassar states, there needs to be more patient and public education about the effects of heat and diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to more than 800 communities. To learn more about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association website at www.diabetes.org or call 1-888-DIABETES.
