Summer is often a time to kick back and relax, but Louisiana Healthcare Connections wants to remind those living with diabetes that it’s not a time to get out of your routine for managing diabetes. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people living with diabetes get dehydrated more quickly, and extreme heat can change how your body uses insulin, so checking sugar levels more often is important.
In addition to the summer safety checklist below for those living with diabetes, Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge is offering a free diabetic clinic designed to help individuals lose weight and reverse prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes in those already diagnosed. The clinic is specifically designed for people who have Medicaid health coverage to try to address the health disparities they often face. Those interested can apply online at www.penningtondiabetesclinic.com or by phone at (225) 763-2789.
“Louisiana summers can be especially brutal for those living with diabetes,” noted Louisiana Healthcare Connections Chief Medical Officer Stewart T. Gordon. MD. “Heat along with our humidity make it harder for the body to cool, so it’s important to stay hydrated and be aware of your blood sugar. Depending on how you feel, you may need to check your sugars more often. It’s always a good idea to stay in regular contact with your physician and their team to guide you. Hurricane season is also upon us, so having a plan in place for emergencies is also key.”