Managing Diabetes in the Heat: Potential Issues and Concerns

ObjectiveTo review issues surrounding manage- ment of diabetes mellitus during times of extreme high temperatures.MethodsMaterials used for this article were identi- fied through a search of MEDLINE publications from 1966 to 2009. We chose English-language articles by using terms that cross-referenced diabetes mellitus, hot tempera- ture, heat, desert, and insulin.ResultsPersons with diabetes may have greater sus- ceptibility to adverse effects from heat (ie, increased num- ber of emergency department visits and hospitalizations, increased occurrence of dehydration and electrolyte abnor- malities, and higher death rate) than persons without dia- betes. Alterations in glucose homeostasis may occur, and changes in insulin kinetics and stability are possible. The impact of heat exposure on equipment performance (eg, glucometers) must be considered.ConclusionsHaving diabetes places a person at risk for heat-related health problems. Physicians must be aware of possible complications that diabetic patients may encounter in summer heat to prevent problems. Patient educational materials should be developed relating to self- management skills in the heat, and the topic should be in- cluded in standard diabetes education programs when ap- plicable. (Endocr Pract. 2010;16:506-511)