24/06/2026
Diabetes and Hot Weather
Sitting in the sun for long periods may affect your diabetes because you are not being very active, making blood sugar levels higher than normal. However if you take insulin to treat diabetes it maybe absorbed quicker which can increase the risk of a hypo (low blood sugar).
We have put together some top tips for managing diabetes safely in the heat
• Test your blood sugars more often and be ready to adjust your dose or diet if necessary
• Keep your blood sugar machine and testing strips out of the sun, extreme temperatures can affect the meters and testing strips.
• If you are on an insulin pump make sure you follow the manufacturer guidelines, be aware your pump reservoir may need changing more frequently
• If you wear a continuous glucose meter (CGM) and need to change it, make sure the area is clean and free of sunscreen to ensure the CGM sticks properly to the site
• Any tablets where possible should be kept at normal room temperature
• Remain hydrated, squash or water is preferred. Becoming dehydrated increase your risk of Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome (HHS) and Diabetic Ketoacids (DKA) which requires emergency treatment.
Make sure insulin is stored correctly (fridge) if out and about, where possible try and carry in a cooler bag, insulin can be damaged by heat, if insulin has become damaged, the insulin will become cloudy and cloudy insulin tends to stick to the side of the glass. Insulin which has been left exposed to direct sunlight can turn a brownish colour, do not use the insulin and get a fresh one.
If you are out and about, keep some extra hypo treatments on you (dextrose tablets, jelly babies or small carton of orange juice). Try and wear light loose clothing, apply the appropriate screening to exposed areas of your body and ensure footwear is safe and appropriate.
To find out more about staying safe in the heat please see our webpage or visit the official Diabetes UK website
