Working in the hot weather with diabetes

#1

I was wondering how does the hot weather effect blood sugar levels? I work in electric generating power plant and it is hot 24/7. Even working outside cutting the lawn on a saturday afternoon its hot. How do you feel after working in the heat. I don’t know if it is just me or does other people have any insight on this.
Thanks,
Larry

#2

I know insulin works faster, and is intensified by heat. It’s why when I run outside, I have to pick cooler hours, and no where near time of a recent shot. I also know dehydration can lead to elevated numbers, because the bloodsugar reading is a number per decliter of water. Less water in the body then equals a higher concentration of sugar in the blood. I would just make sure to stay hydrated and keep a close eye on your readings and how you are feeling. Hope this helps.

#3

All I know about being and working outside when it’s hot is that it makes the insulin work faster.

#4

Larry:

My profession requires me to inspect attics, which in my area are normally 120+ degrees this time of year. While the heat definitely takes its toll, I drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and keep protien snacks on hand in case I feel like my blood sugar is low.

#5

If it’s really hot and I am out working the yard, I find my blood sugars will go down quick and next thing I know I am facing a bad low. Happened just yesterday in fact.

#6

I take my pump off during outside work on saturdays. I found I was always going low!

#7

I just came back after a good hour and a half of yardwork. I was @ 150+ before. I am at 96 now! :slight_smile:

#8

Straight up - I was 205 (bad breakfast choice) and then 58 after 1.5 hours of yardwork. That was the first time I could do yardwork since diagnosis and didn’t realize that would happen. I almost corrected for the 205 before going out but luckily decided not to.

#9

Ya, definatly try to stay hydrated and just watch what your b/s levels do. I can be out working on the car and be so sweat soaked that it looks like I took a shower, yet my b/s stays level, but I can be mowing the lawn and I will start to go low. Just watch what yours does and adjust accordingly.