Keep your cool with diabetes

Bayhealth endocrinologist Dr. Hira Shakeel offers tips on managing diabetes

Diabetes may be one of the most difficult to understand chronic diseases in the world with many people unsure even what diabetes is, let alone how to keep their cool and manage it. Over 38 million Americans suffer from diabetes with 1.2 million diagnosed each year. In 2023, 11.6 percent of Americans had the illness and 97.6 million more were living with pre-diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or doesn’t manage insulin properly. There are two main types of diabetes. Type I is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin while Type 2 is when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or cells do not respond properly to insulin. Overweight or obese people have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Summer is especially hard on those with diabetes as it is very easy to get wrapped up in beaches, pools and vacation, forgetting about the little things that can turn into a big deal. Bayhealth endocrinologist Hira Shakeel, MD, offered some tips for those with diabetes to help them avoid complications.

“Extreme heat is known to take a toll on our bodies. Individuals with diabetes are prone to the health consequences of the heat because it causes fluctuations in blood sugar, making the illness harder to control,” Dr. Shakeel said. “Excessive sweating can also lead to dehydration which can also raise blood sugar levels. When it comes to hydrating properly, limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea.”

Protecting diabetes supplies is also critical during warm weather. Never leave the supplies in a car or in direct sunlight. If you use insulin or a diabetes medication that requires refrigeration, pack them in a cooler but not directly on an ice pack.

“Although physical activity is good for people with diabetes, avoid outdoor activities between 10 AM and 4 PM when the temperature is the warmest,” Dr. Shakeel said. “During that part of the day stay inside. If you feel fatigued, nauseous, have heart palpitations, lightheadedness or unusual sweating, check your blood sugar as this may indicate hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Always carry glucose tablets, juice or glucose gels to treat hypoglycemia quickly.”

For more information on diabetes or to make an appointment with Dr. Shakeel, call 302-401-1500 or visit the Bayhealth Medical Group.