Summer vacations and travel plans are underway.
The kids are out of school for the summer.
Relatives and friends are visiting.
Schedules are out of whack with the dog days of summer.
Temperatures are on the rise, and warmer weather typically means frozen treats, summer fruits and sweet, sugary snacks.
Summer fun and shenanigans are great for those who can partake.
For someone living with diabetes, summer brings many challenges.
Changing schedules with late nights and sleeping in can wreak havoc on blood glucose levels.
Hot temperatures and extreme heat can be dangerous.
And, tempting treats can cause sugar spikes.
Here are some tips from Quest Health Solutions to help make it through and have a fantastic summer.
Summer Treats
First, let’s talk food. There are summer picnics, family reunions, and meals on the beach. Summer menus are filled with hot dogs, burgers, chips, potato salad, watermelon, ice cream, fruit pies, cakes and more. An excess of sugar, carbs and fat aren’t good for anyone, but are particularly detrimental for someone living with diabetes.
Balancing food choices is key in managing blood sugar levels and controlling highs and lows. It’s important to read food labels and count total sugars, including added sugars, as well as carbohydrates. Monitoring daily food intake doesn’t have to mean living without. It just means re-balancing portions and budgeting food intake with healthier substitutions to help control blood glucose levels and better manage diabetes.
There are many sugar-free alternatives on the market now that are quite delicious and can be substituted in place of high sugar, high carb options. Most of the major brands have perfected the art of eliminating sugar, carbs and dairy from products to create great tasting and healthy alternatives. Healthier fruit options, like watermelon and berries, are always an option but still require moderation and the right balance.
Summer Schedules
Summer means changes in schedules for many. It’s very easy to get off schedule when school is out and bedtimes and wake up times change. The amount of sleep needed varies depending on age, health, stress levels, social life, line of work and a host of other factors. Most studies, however, report that “the average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.”1 Not getting enough sleep can weaken the immune system, alter blood sugar levels and affect concentration, focus and memory. The lazy days of summer can have a major impact on someone living with diabetes so monitor schedules and the impact on blood glucose closely.
Traveling to different times zones forces changes to schedules as well which can put our bodies in a state of flux. Changes to eating times, sleeping patterns, and daily activities can affect blood glucose levels and trigger spikes. When traveling, diabetes patients need to pay more attention to these fluctuations and monitor levels more closely.
Summer Heat
Summer can mean scorching temperatures which is why during the summer months it’s important to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause blood sugar to rise as glucose in the blood becomes more concentrated. The higher temps can also cause blood vessels to dilate, increase insulin absorption, and cause fluctuations in blood sugar. It is recommended that diabetes patients stay inside on the hottest days and monitor blood sugar levels closely throughout the heat of summer.
Because of the warm weather, the summer season is a more active time for exercise and outdoor activities. “For people who have diabetes, the benefits of an active lifestyle can’t be overstated. Exercise helps control weight, lower blood pressure, lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raise healthy HDL cholesterol, strengthen muscles and bones, reduce anxiety, and improves general well-being.”2 At the same time, exercise and increased activity can cause fluctuations in blood sugar so monitoring and maintaining healthy levels is key.
The Summer Season and Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems
Tracking summer changes to diet, schedules and extreme temperatures is hard to do alone. Having the support of a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System through the summer is the key to staying in control. A Continuous Glucose Monitoring device takes glucose readings on set intervals and a trend arrow tells users what direction glucose is heading and the speed in which it is moving so patients can plan what to do next.
Knowing how food, increased activity and hot temps will affect blood glucose levels is a big mystery when it comes to diabetes management. A Continuous Glucose Monitor gives users the freedom to know exactly how glucose levels will be affected. That knowledge is power and can help plan the rest of the meals and activities throughout the summer break so glucose levels can be kept in check at all times, even while sleeping. CGMs help to bring the fun back into summer and gives patients the freedom to enjoy all the season has to offer.
Spend the Summer and Every Season with Quest Health Solutions
No matter what the season, living with diabetes is never easy. It takes daily effort, continual education and a strong support system. At Quest Health Solutions, our patients our are #1 concern, and we are committed to providing the education and resources needed throughout every season. To learn more about how CGMs can help get through the summer, contact us at 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011 or email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.
1. (2019) Mayo Clinic. How Many Hours of Sleep are Enough for Good Health? Available at Click Here accessed on 12 June 2021.
2. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School (2020). Available at Click Here accessed on 12 June 2021.