Hypoglycemia and Diabetes: Take Extra Care in Summer

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which your blood sugar (glucose) level is lower than the standard range. Glucose is your body's main energy source.

Hypoglycemia is often related to diabetes treatment, but there are other conditions that can cause low blood sugar in people who don't have diabetes.

If blood sugar levels become too low, hypoglycemia (colloquially known as ‘hypo’) signs and symptoms can include:

• Looking pale
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Headache
• Hunger or nausea
• An irregular or fast heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Irritability or anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Tingling or numbness of the lips, tongue or cheek.

Severe hypos may cause:

• Unresponsiveness (loss of consciousness)
• Seizures

Hot weather can increase the risk of hypos for those on blood glucose lowering medications, such as insulin. The body’s metabolism is higher in hot and humid weather, leading to an increased chance of hypos as insulin absorption increases.

Hypos may be slightly harder to spot in hot weather.

To prevent hypos, be prepared to test your blood glucose more often, particularly if participating in physical activity in hot weather. Keep a source of fast-acting carbohydrate at hand, such as glucose tablets or a sugary drink.

You may need to adjust your insulin levels during temperature changes. If you are experiencing higher or lower blood sugar levels and need advice about adjusting your insulin levels, speak with a member of your healthcare team.

Adapted from diabetes.co.uk

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