Summer’s here and things are going to start heating up! Thanks to global warming, every year the mercury seems to rise more than the preceding years, and nothing we do is helping bring the temperatures down. However, there’s a lot you can do this summer to keep your blood sugar levels in control.

This summer, manage your diabetes smartly. All you’ve got to do is follow these tips.

Stay Hydrated

Needless to say, you need to drink lots of water – plenty to keep you from losing body fluids, and keeping your body hydrated. Whether you’re relaxing at home, or indulging in a physical activity, your water intake needs to correspond with your activity levels. Do not go out without a water bottle!

Avoid Unnecessary Outdoor Activity

If you can, stay away from the heat and sun within the parameters of your home from 11am to 3pm. If it’s absolutely necessary to go out, make sure you’re prepared:

• Carry a snack with you at all times.
• Use sunscreens, hats, and sunglasses for protection.
• Dress appropriately for the weather.

Save Yourself a Heat Stroke

Heat strokes are common during summers. Exposure to sun and heat causes loss of fluids in the body that adversely affects the level of blood sugar. If you feel dizzy, nauseated, fatigued, or find yourself sweating too much, take these precautions:

• Drink lots of fluids, mainly water or fresh juices (avoid alcohol and sodas at all costs.)
• If you’re at home, rush for a quick cool shower.
• If you’re outdoors, find yourself a place to rest. Somewhere away from the sun (a shaded alcove, or an air-conditioned building.)
• Make adjustments to your clothing. (remove extra articles, loosen it up)

Keep a Check on Your Blood Sugar Levels

Although you need to keep a tab on your sugar levels all year round, you should be extra diligent about it during summers. Extreme hot temperatures can cause blood sugar levels to oscillate more than usual. To make sure they do not rise or fall too much, monitor them frequently after every prolonged activity.

Eat Right

We know summers are fun! There’s vacations, warm long days, plenty of outdoors time with the people we love – but all the humidity, heat, and fatigue will bring its own set of risks for you. A smart way to combat the adverse summer effects is to make sure you’re getting your nutrients right.

• Keep your energy up with good carbs. Fruits like berries, melons, and peaches can help provide you with the daily dose of carbs you need to stay energized.
• Consume hydrating fruits like watermelons, nectarines, raspberries, and grapefruits. Yes, you need to drink plenty of water, but these fruits instantly replenish the water levels in your body, keeping you adequately hydrated.
• Vitamin A and C are powerful antioxidants, and you need them to combat the adverse radicals from increased sun exposure. Include zucchinis, squash and cucumbers to your diet.

Extreme summer heat can worsen your current diabetic condition and may trigger other unwanted health complications. It is therefore, imperative to keep visiting your doctor regularly. Consult them for any insulin adjustments or medication changes that you may require.