Health

How to Manage Your Diabetes in Extreme Summer Heat

Published

3 years ago

September 24, 2023

How weather can affect your blood sugar

We often look forward to a change of seasons and warmer temperatures. But if you have diabetes, you may be especially sensitive to the hot weather of summer.

Extreme heat can affect your blood sugar control. If you use insulin or your blood sugars aren’t effectively controlled, you could be at higher risk during the summer months. Worsening blood sugar control is often the main concern, and depending on your level of activity, developing low blood sugars may also be a concern.

If you’ve had complications from diabetes that have damaged the nerves to sweat glands, you may be unable to sweat properly. This can become serious as outdoor temperatures rise, leading to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Extreme temperatures can also damage your medications and testing equipment, says Dr. Marwan Hamaty, endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio. “I always remind my patients to take precautions to protect themselves and their supplies during both winter and summer.”

He says it’s important to get a handle on your blood sugar control before you engage in summer fun. “If your blood sugars are mostly higher than 250 mg/dl, I recommend improving your blood sugar control before engaging in heavy physical activity — regardless of the climate and the temperature, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.”

Dr. Hamaty also advises that the extreme heat of summer affects blood sugar levels. How the heat affects your levels depends on what you’ve eaten, whether you’re well-hydrated and your activity level.

If the heat and your activity make you sweat a lot, you may become dehydrated, leading to a rise in glucose levels. “If you become dehydrated, your blood glucose levels will rise. This can lead to frequent urination, which then leads to further dehydration and even higher blood sugar levels — a kind of vicious cycle,” he says.

Things can become even worse if the treatment includes insulin: “Dehydration reduces blood supply to your skin and, therefore, the ability of your body to absorb the insulin you’ve injected is reduced,” he says.

Most types of insulin can tolerate temperatures up to 93-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposing your supply to anything higher than this will make the medication quickly break down. Be careful and pay attention to any insulin you’re carrying with you in the heat.

While it’s fine to store insulin and glucagon in the refrigerator, hot temperatures (as well as freezing temperatures) will cause the medications to degrade, making them ineffective and unusable. High temperatures can have a negative effect on other medications and diabetes management supplies too. Don’t forget about the weather’s effect on things like test strips and monitoring devices. When the mercury begins to rise, these items can change in their effectiveness.

Physical activity usually causes blood sugar levels to decrease, reducing your need for insulin. The sudden addition of exercise may put you at an increased risk for low blood sugars.

Therefore, if you’re active in extreme heat, know that you’re at high risk for both low and high blood sugars. This means you should take extra precautions and monitor your sugar levels before exercising.

“I advise my patients to maintain warm skin and adjust insulin dosage prior to engaging in physical activity because insulin adjustment could vary significantly,” says Dr. Hamaty. “But don’t allow the heat to keep you indoors. It’s OK to participate in outdoor activities and enjoy all types of weather as long as you take a few precautions.”

Dr. Hamaty also suggests seeking input from your doctor regardless of the temperature before adding physical activity to your routine.

Follow these tips to help manage your diabetes while enjoying the outdoors:

Drink plenty of water.Staying hydrated is important for everyone during physical activity, and it’s especially critical if you have diabetes.
Avoid becoming dehydrated.Carry small bottles of water or low-calorie electrolyte-replenishing sports drinks in a backpack or on a belt while you’re hiking or playing sports.
Adjust your insulin as needed.Ask your provider or diabetes educator how you should adjust your insulin (and sometimes eating extra carbohydrates) before exercising. Typically, your first few doctor’s visits focus on urgent issues, such as getting diabetes under control. Ask about how to adjust your insulin so you can prepare to be physically active.
Test your blood sugar levels frequently.Since hot temperatures can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, it’s a good idea to test more often. That way, you can take appropriate and immediate action to keep your levels stable. You should continue frequent monitoring for several hours after you’re done with your workout or other activity. That’s because the effects of activities on blood sugars usually last for a longer period of time.
Keep items to treat low blood sugar with you. This includes glucose tabs or glucose gel. If you’re at high risk for very low blood sugar (if you have frequent low blood sugar or had very low blood sugar previously), you should also have a glucagon kit available.
Take some snacks with you.Some snacks can serve as a meal replacement while others help prevent low blood sugar. Discuss possible options with your dietitian.
Protect your medication and supplies. Take proactive steps to protect your insulin, glucagon kit and other supplies before you head outdoors, regardless of the temperature. Consider a car cooler that plugs into a 12-volt car adapter to keep your supplies at the proper temperature. This will keep the temperature stable for some time. If you’re going away from your car for an extended period, you’ll need to take your supplies along with you. If you are on insulin pump, be sure to protect your insulin pump from high temperatures. Depending on the situation and how long your activity will be, you might simply need to monitor your glucose more often. In certain circumstances (if it’s extremely hot or you’re out for an extended amount of time) consider using a long-acting insulin temporarily along with meal insulin injection instead of an insulin pump.
Avoid sunburn. You can get sunburned while skiing on the slopes or while hiking in the summer. Sunburn stresses your body and can raise blood sugar levels. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective eye gear.
Finally, limit how much time you spend outside in extreme temperatures. “While I advise staying active during the peak winter or summer months, I also tell my patients to try to take advantage of outdoors activities when temperatures aren’t too extreme,” says Dr. Hamaty. By taking a few precautions, you can enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle in most any weather.

Bahamas News

UN Reports Ebola Outbreak Expands in DRC; Bahamas Monitors Two Recent Arrivals

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

The Bahamas, May 29, 2026 – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to expand, with United Nations officials now warning that the disease has spread across multiple eastern provinces and become the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of May 26 the outbreak had reached 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. More than 1,000 suspected cases have been reported, including 121 confirmed infections and 17 deaths. Six healthcare workers are among those who have died.

The United Nations says humanitarian teams remain actively engaged in treatment, surveillance, community outreach and disease containment efforts. However, the response is being complicated by insecurity, population movement and restrictions affecting the delivery of supplies and personnel.

While the outbreak remains confined to Africa, authorities in The Bahamas recently activated emergency health protocols after two men who had spent time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo arrived at Lynden Pindling International Airport aboard a British Airways flight.

The Ministry of Health confirmed the travelers were isolated after presenting low-grade fevers upon arrival on May 22. Officials later reported that the fevers subsided and neither individual displayed symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease.

The two men, identified as a British national residing in Australia and a French national, were transferred to the Modular Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital for continued monitoring.

Health officials emphasized that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in The Bahamas and assessed the risk to the public as low.

Still, the growing outbreak overseas has prompted increased vigilance. Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville said the government is reviewing whether additional travel measures may be necessary for countries affected by the outbreak.

The United Nations this week announced up to US$60 million in emergency funding to support the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries, warning that rapid action remains critical to preventing further spread.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Health

Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital Celebrates International Emergency Medicine Day 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

May 28, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

May 27, 2026 – Today, Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital, InterHealth Canada proudly joins the global healthcare community in observing International Emergency Medicine Day, recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary dedication, courage, and compassion of emergency healthcare professionals who stand on the frontlines of patient care every single day.

International Emergency Medicine Day is observed annually on May 27 to promote professional, competent, and timely emergency medical care for all people around the world. Emergency medicine professionals provide lifesaving care for patients facing critical illnesses and injuries, often during the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives.

At the heart of every emergency department is a team of highly skilled and committed professionals, physicians, nurses, support staff, and allied healthcare professionals who work tirelessly together to save lives and provide hope when it is needed most.
Emergency medicine focuses on the rapid assessment and treatment of life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrest, trauma, respiratory failure, severe bleeding, and sepsis. Emergency teams care for patients of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care according to the urgency of their condition through the triage system.

As the safety net of the hospital, the Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving patients during natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and daily medical emergencies. The demanding nature of emergency care requires teamwork, resilience, professionalism, and compassion.

“Today we recognize and celebrate the incredible individuals who dedicate themselves to emergency medicine,” said Dr Monnique-Chadee Waite, Head of the Emergency Department. “Our emergency team is there during some of the toughest moments in people’s lives. Their commitment, expertise, and compassion make a difference every single day. Teamwork truly makes the dream work, and we deeply appreciate every member of our department.”

Shantell Gardiner, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department, highlighted the dedication of the nursing team and support staff. “Emergency nursing requires strength, compassion, quick thinking, and teamwork. Every day our nurses and support teams provide comfort and care to patients and families during stressful and emotional situations. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism our team demonstrates every single shift. We appreciate each and every member of our Emergency Department family for the vital role they play in saving lives.”

Dr Dawn Perry-Ewing, Chief of Medical Services, added, “Emergency medicine professionals are among the most vital frontline caregivers in healthcare. Their ability to respond quickly, work collaboratively, and remain calm under pressure saves countless lives. We thank them for their unwavering dedication and for continuously striving to provide safe, competent, and compassionate care to every patient.”

Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer, also expressed gratitude to the department. “On this International Emergency Medicine Day, we extend our sincere appreciation to our emergency teams for their extraordinary service and sacrifice. They represent the very best of healthcare, courage, teamwork, professionalism, and humanity. We thank them for standing ready every day and night to care for our community when it matters most.”

The Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital also acknowledges the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment within Emergency Departments. Emergency Departments follow a system called Triage, where patients are treated according to the severity and urgency of their condition rather than arrival time. Supporting emergency healthcare workers and respecting the triage process helps medical teams provide safer, faster, and more compassionate care to all patients.
Today and every day, the Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital, InterHealth Canada salutes its Emergency Department team for their dedication, resilience, and lifesaving work.

Teamwork makes the dream work and we appreciate you.

Health

Grand Turk Residents Fear Norovirus-Linked Cruise as Health Ministry Approves Docking

Published

2 weeks ago

May 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2026 – Residents in Grand Turk raised concerns last week after a cruise ship previously linked to a major norovirus outbreak was cleared to dock in the Turks and Caicos Islands days after passengers were reportedly denied disembarkation in The Bahamas over health fears.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak sickened 115 people — including 102 passengers and 13 crew members — during a voyage which ran from April 28 to May 11. The illnesses involved symptoms commonly associated with norovirus, including vomiting and diarrhea.

The outbreak became public on May 7 and quickly triggered concern across the region.

Authorities in Nassau reportedly refused to allow passengers off the vessel because of public health concerns connected to the outbreak.

That decision later fueled anxiety among some Turks and Caicos residents when the ship proceeded to Grand Turk on May 15.

Residents’ concerns were not without cause.

Norovirus is a highly contagious viral illness often associated with cruise ships, hotels, schools and other environments where large groups of people share close quarters. The virus primarily causes sudden vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea, and spreads rapidly through contaminated food, water, surfaces and person-to-person contact.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most healthy people recover within one to three days, but norovirus can become serious — and occasionally fatal — for elderly individuals, young children and people with weakened immune systems because of severe dehydration. While the overall fatality rate is considered very low, the CDC estimates norovirus contributes to hundreds of deaths annually in the United States, mainly among vulnerable populations.

The Turks and Caicos Ministry of Health and Human Services had said in a press statement on May 15, it believed the risks had been effectively neutralized before the vessel arrived in Grand Turk.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry said the ship had already returned to Florida, where passengers disembarked and “comprehensive sanitization and deep-cleaning procedures were completed” before operations resumed.

The Ministry also stressed that its Public Health Team maintained “close and continuous communication” with the ship’s medical personnel, Carnival Cruise Line officials and stakeholders at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre before approving the docking.

Routine inspections and standard port health procedures were also carried out, according to officials.

The Ministry further reassured the public that there were “currently no public health concerns” associated with the vessel’s arrival.

Still, the situation once again highlighted the delicate balancing act Caribbean nations face between protecting public health and sustaining tourism economies heavily dependent on cruise arrivals.

Officials are now encouraging vendors, taxi operators, tour companies and businesses to continue practicing strong sanitation and hygiene measures as an added precaution.

Residents were also reminded that frequent handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of norovirus and other infectious illnesses.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.