Traveling in Hot Climates with Diabetes

Hot weather presents unique challenges for people with diabetes. This guide provides practical information for managing diabetes in hot conditions, including monitoring blood sugar levels, staying hydrated, and properly storing insulin and testing equipment.

 

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Keep meters and test strips away from the sun! Arrow icon

Hot weather

Hot weather can make managing blood sugar (glucose) levels more challenging. The heat can affect diabetes in several ways.

Spending long periods in the sun with limited physical activity may lead to higher blood sugar levels.1

Both dry and moist heat can increase blood flow to your skin, which may impact how your insulin works, potentially leading to lower blood glucose levels.

Exposure to intense heat can cause fluid loss and may lead to a drop in blood pressure. Make sure to stay well-hydrated before and after using a sauna or hot tub.2

 

General recommendations

Follow these general recommendations when exposed to sun/heat:

  • Monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently than usual during hot weather: If you use insulin, you may need to adjust your dosage or diet accordingly. When being active in the sun, consider having extra carbohydrates with your meal or as a snack beforehand. Always check your levels prior to activity and have a sugary snack nearby if your levels are low. Keep something sweet on hand for emergencies, just in case.
  • Apply sunscreen to exposed skin 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapply every two hours if you're still in the sun.
  • Dress in long sleeves, loose trousers, a hat, and sunglasses with a UV 400 rating for extra protection.
  • Keep hydrated: hot weather, whether you're active or simply lounging, naturally causes sweating as your body tries to cool itself down. To maintain hydration, it’s essential to replenish lost fluids. Opt for water or sugar-free drinks to stay hydrated throughout the day. Keep a drink with you and take small sips regularly. Dehydration can raise your risk of serious complications like hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).1
  • Use a cooler: take a small cooler with you when heading to the beach for added convenience storing both food and insulin. This way, you won’t be limited to non-perishable snacks, giving you the freedom to bring low-carb options like cheese or deli meats. Plus, your insulin will stay cool for hours, ensuring it remains safe to use.3
 

Keep meters and test strips out of the sun!

Always keep the CONTOUR®PLUS test strips in their original bottle or foil packet. Do not expose the meter or test strips to excessive humidity, heat, dust, or dirt. Exposure to room humidity by leaving the bottle open or not storing the strips in their original bottle or foil packet can damage your test strips. This could lead to inaccurate results.4

The meter is designed to give accurate blood test results at temperatures between 5°C and 45°C. If the meter or test strip is outside this range, you should not test until the meter and test strip are within this range. Whenever the meter is moved from one location to another, allow approximately 20 minutes for the meter to adjust to the temperature of the new location before performing a blood glucose test.4

Note: If it is too hot to test your meter may show an error message (E25/E28 – too hot to test); it is recommended to check your user guide.4

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and health condition.

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References:

1. Diabetes UK. Diabetes and hot weather. Accessed Mach 24, 2025. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/hot-weather

2. 5. UCLA Health. Diabetes - Guidelines for Travel. Accessed Mach 24, 2025. Available from: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/endocrinology/diabetes/type-1-diabetes/guidelines-travel

3. Beyond Type 1. The T1D Beach Guide. Published June 8, 2018. Accessed Mach 24, 2025. Available from: https://beyondtype1.org/the-type-1-diabetes-beach-guide/

4. CONTOUR®PLUS ELITE - 11/1/2019 - User Guide (Rev 11/19)