There are a lot of things to be aware of concerning diabetes and temperature. For example, according to About.com, diabetics should be careful when summer time arrives because people with chronic conditions are more prone to be affected by the heat.
One of the major problems concerning diabetes and temperature is the risk of dehydration. Everyone should be careful not to become dehydrated, but diabetics carry a serious risk for it when blood glucose levels become too high. Consuming large amounts of caffeine compounds the problem. Hypoglycemia can also be a problem in high temperatures, according to the website, so it is important to check your blood sugar regularly on hot days. Symptoms of heat exhaustion and diabetes temperature problems include:
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Clammy skin
- Headaches
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea
Diabetes and Body Temperature
Problems with diabetes and temperature don’t end there. Diabetics are prone to infections which can quickly spiral out of control, so a high temperature and diabetes is always a cause for concern. While most infections with diabetes can be treated easily, it is important to recognize symptoms of a diabetes infection because early treatment can prevent more serious complications from occurring. Common sites for infections in diabetes are the bladder, vagina, kidneys, gums, feet, and skin. A temperature which is above 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) should be treated immediately. Other possible signs of infection, aside from a high temperature, are:
- Sweating and chills
- Rash
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Swelling
- A wound that won’t heal
- Sore or scratch throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Nasal congestion or sinus drainage
- Persistent cough which last for two or more days
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Any flu-like symptoms
- Vaginal itching
- Trouble urinating
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
Low Body Temperature Diabetes
Another common issue which involves diabetes and temperature is that diabetics tend to have a lower body temperature than non diabetes. One reason for this is that diabetics tend to have trouble with blood circulation, which not only keeps the body from healing well but also causes body temperature to remain at a regular temperature. Keeping your body at a normal temperature can help your body to heal better. You can achieve this through healthy diet and nutrition. In addition, insulin may not be produced or efficiently utilized when your body temperature is below a normal level, according to KeyVive.com.
