July is UV Safety Month, making it the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors while taking steps to protect your health. Most people think about sunscreen and preventing sunburn, but if you have diabetes, there’s another important concern—staying hydrated.
Hot temperatures, increased sun exposure, and dehydration can affect blood sugar levels, medications, and your body’s ability to regulate heat. Fortunately, a few simple habits can help you stay safe all summer long.
Why Hydration Matters for People with Diabetes
When you’re dehydrated, your blood contains less water, causing glucose to become more concentrated. This can lead to higher blood sugar levels. At the same time, high blood sugar causes your body to lose more fluids through increased urination, creating a cycle that can quickly worsen dehydration.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dark-colored urine
- Muscle cramps
If dehydration becomes severe, it can increase the risk of serious diabetes-related complications and heat-related illnesses.
Summer Heat Can Affect Your Medications
Many medications commonly used by people with diabetes may increase sensitivity to heat or make dehydration more likely.
These include:
- Some blood pressure medications
- Certain diuretics (“water pills”)
- Some diabetes medications
- Medications that may increase sensitivity to sunlight
In addition, insulin and some injectable diabetes medications should never be exposed to excessive heat. Leaving them in a hot car, direct sunlight, or an overheated bag can reduce their effectiveness.
If you’re spending time outdoors:
- Store medications in a cool, insulated bag.
- Never leave medications in a parked vehicle.
- Check package instructions for proper storage temperatures.
If you have questions about how summer temperatures affect your medications, your pharmacist can help.
UV Safety Tips
People with diabetes may have more sensitive skin and slower wound healing, making sun protection especially important.
Remember to:
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
- Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
- Choose lightweight clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Check your feet daily if wearing sandals or spending time outdoors, as small injuries may go unnoticed.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be difficult.
- Drink water throughout the day—not just when you feel thirsty.
- Carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go.
- Limit sugary beverages, which can raise blood sugar and contribute to dehydration.
- Eat water-rich foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, oranges, lettuce, and celery.
- Increase your fluid intake before, during, and after outdoor activities.
- Monitor your blood sugar more frequently during extremely hot weather.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
- Persistent high blood sugars despite treatment
- Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Confusion
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.
We’re Here to Help
At Minnich’s Pharmacy, we’re committed to helping our community stay healthy throughout every season. If you have questions about how your medications interact with summer heat, proper medication storage, hydration, or managing diabetes during hot weather, stop by and talk with one of our pharmacists.
We’re proud to partner with the Diabetes Coalition of York to promote healthy living and empower individuals with diabetes to enjoy a safe, active summer.
Stay hydrated. Protect your skin. Protect your medications. Enjoy the sunshine safely!
