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July 6, 2026—Summer is a time to feel carefree. But if you have diabetes, navigating summer without worry is not that simple. The season can pose extra risks, such as weather-related power outages, high heat and food that isn’t so healthy.

Summer diabetes stressors

Summer stressor: heat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are more affected by the heat. Diabetes damages your nerves and blood vessels, which in turn affects your sweat glands. As a result, your body has a harder time cooling off. This raises your risk for heat-related illness.

High heat also affects how your body uses insulin and dehydrates you more quickly.

What to do: Check your blood sugar often and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol; they can make your blood sugar levels soar and contribute to dehydration.

Summer stressors: extreme weather and power outages. Hurricanes, wildfires and heat waves can cause power outages. Your insulin needs to be kept cool; if its temperature rises above 86 degrees, it can become damaged, says Breakthrough T1D.

What to do: Keep reusable cold packs in your freezer and have a cooler handy to keep your insulin cool—but not frozen—in case the power goes out.

Watch the weather forecast and have a go-bag prepared in case of prolonged power outages, evacuations or travel disruptions. Your bag or container should be waterproof and contain, at a minimum:

• Essential medical information: type of diabetes you have, other medical conditions, allergies and previous surgeries.
• All current medications.
• Current A1C test results.
• Insulin pump make, model, serial number and manufacturer's contact information.
• Contact information for your doctor and pharmacy.
• A copy of your medical insurance card.
• A copy of your photo ID.
• Cash.

Summer stressors: cookouts and picnics. Typical barbecue temptations such as fatty meats, carbohydrates and alcoholic drinks can spike your blood sugar.

What to do: Try to stick to lean proteins such as fish, turkey, chicken and lean beef. Bring your own low-carb side dishes. And when you do indulge, check your blood sugar more frequently and drink lots of water.

Summer stressor: going barefoot. With diabetes, extra-good foot care is essential. Diabetes can raise your risk for foot problems such as nonhealing wounds. That's why the American Diabetes Association advises against going barefoot—even at the beach.

What to do: Wear socks that fit well, and when wearing shoes, always put on socks first. Learn how to prevent diabetes foot ulcers.

Sources

• American Diabetes Association. "8 Tips to Protect Your Feet With Diabetes." https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/diabetes-and-your-feet/8-tips-protect-your-feet.
• Breakthrough T1D. "A Guide to Summer With T1D." https://www.breakthrought1d.org/news-and-updates/guide-to-summer-with-type-1-diabetes.
• Breakthrough T1D. "Summer Emergencies With T1D: Navigating Heat Waves, Hurricanes, Wildfires and Power Outages." https://www.breakthrought1d.org/news-and-updates/type-1-diabetes-t1d-hurricanes-wildfires-heat-waves-power-outages-emergencies.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Managing Diabetes in the Heat." https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/articles/managing-diabetes-in-the-heat.html.
• Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition. "Patient Preparedness Plan." https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b7f00ce89c172284abdb545/t/5e9f4afde19c2f4f61da02c5/1587497733252/DDRC+Preparedness+Plan_English.pdf.