If you are living with diabetes, hot weather can put your health at risk. Staying cool can help you to stay well. In hot weather, people living with diabetes can be more likely to become dehydrated or develop heat stroke. This can be due to high blood glucose levels or changes in how the body balances its temperature. Watch this short video about how to stay to cool to stay well in hot weather. Stay cool to stay well Here are some tips to help you stay healthy when it is hot. Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day. Always wear covered shoes outdoors to protect your feet from burns. Keep your home cool by using air conditioning or fans, and by closing curtains and blinds. If you monitor your blood glucose, check regularly. Check more often if you feel unwell. Keep medications and blood glucose monitoring equipment out of the heat. The label on your medications tells you how to store them safely. If you are using an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitoring, ask your diabetes health professionals about how to use these safely when it is hot. Have a sick day action plan. Use this plan if you are unwell or have any signs of illness. If you are at risk of hypoglycaemia (also known as a hypo or low blood glucose) always have hypo treatment with you. Have enough food, medications and diabetes supplies at home, so you do not need to go out if it is hot. Stay in touch with family and friends and contact someone if you feel unwell. Talk to your doctor or diabetes health professional about looking after your diabetes in hot weather. Hot weather and diabetes. Stay cool to stay well poster This poster lists tips on staying healthy when it is hot. Available in other languages Download Related topics Diabetes and natural disasters If you are living with diabetes, it is important to be prepared for natural disasters like bushfires, floods, storms and cyclones. Find out more Sick days It is important to have a sick day action plan and sick day kit to use if you are unwell or you have any signs of illness. Find out more
