Summertime Diabetes Management Routines: Extreme Heat Edition

Our friends in the diabetes community have recently shared some great tips on how to wear an insulin pump in the summertime and how to manage your diabetes when swimming. Today we wrap up this series as they share tips specifically for when those temperatures get really extreme. How about you ? how are you braving the heat this summer?
“During a heat wave, I don’t fill my pump reservoir completely – Only to about 100 units. Insulin has the potential to get “skunky” (funky, rancid smell) during a heat wave, whether you use an insulin pump or not. So I’d rather fill the reservoir less and change it more frequently. I’m also a big fan of frio insulin pump cooling wallets. I can slip my pump and tubing right in there and clip it to my person, no problem – and it keeps my insulin cool!” – Kelly Kunik, living with diabetes for 35 years
“I received my first pump in the middle of a hot and humid summer in Alabama, so one of my primary concerns was always how long my pump and insulin have been roasting in the heat. When in doubt, I err on the side of changing out my reservoir for fresh insulin if I’m worried about the effects of too much heat. I make sure to have sunscreen everywhere, especially around the edges of my pump site. (Nothing hurts more than removing adhesive from a sunburn! I also watch my sites more carefully in the summer. I’ve found that the combination of more sweat plus a more exposed (from a swimsuit or other lighter summer clothing) pump site means a greater chance of developing an irritated or infected site compared to other times of the year.” – Dana Lewis, 25 years old, living with diabetes for over 10 years
“During summer months, we both insert infusion sets on the buttocks, which keep the site out of the sand and out of sight. And for extreme heat I have used a Frio pump wallet, e.g. a long day at Disney World in Orlando in July.” – Jeff Myers, Medtronic employee, living with diabetes for 31 years, talking about him and his 12-year-old son Benjamin who also has diabetes
“Extreme temperatures don’t really affect my sugar levels but it does for some people. I always work very close with my diabetes educator about adjusting my basal and temporary basal rate for outdoor summer activities. If I find that my levels are constantly dropping when I am hiking, I will adjust my temp basal accordingly. It is a very scary thing to be half through a 3 mile hike and have to hold up the group because of a very preventable hypoglycemic incident. Summer months can be easily managed with minor adjustments but the major component is preparation.” –John Berry, 40 years old, living with diabetes for 8 years
“I am always careful to generously apply the prep wipe before inserting the infusion set, and then I make sure to wipe the site down again after insertion for extra sticking power! Sometimes, I apply medical tape over the site, if I know I will be swimming a lot.” – Sydney Gambrill, 12 years old, living with diabetes for 5 years
Editors note: These are personal experiences from each of the individuals based on their own diabetes management. We can’t recommend or guarantee any of the tips or the products mentioned so be sure to work with your healthcare team as you make your plans for the summer.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
– Medtronic Diabetes insulin infusion pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and associated components are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with the risks associated with the use of these systems.
– Successful operation of the insulin infusion pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems requires adequate vision and hearing to recognize alerts and alarms.
Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps
– Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform a minimum of four blood glucose tests per day.
– Insulin pumps use rapid-acting insulin. If your insulin delivery is interrupted for any reason, you must be prepared to replace the missed insulin immediately.
Medtronic Diabetes Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems
– The information provided by CGM systems is intended to supplement, not replace, blood glucose information obtained using a home glucose meter. A confirmatory fingerstick is required prior to treatment.
– Insertion of a glucose sensor may cause bleeding or irritation at the insertion site. Consult a physician immediately if you experience significant pain or if you suspect that the site is infected.
For more information, please visit: MedtronicDiabetes.com/isi.
Tags: 523, 723, cgm, continuous glucose monitoring, infusion sets, insulin pump, water resistant, waterproof
I recently switched to the mio infusion set from the quickset. I am having adhesion problems with these new sets is any one else using these infusion sets and also having this problem
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re experiencing issues with your infusion sets, our 24-Hour HelpLine Team would like to help. I will have someone contact you as soon as possible.
I have been on mini med pump several now for 20 years. I have noticed now wearing my site for 2 days when I go to change my site it leaves a hard sore like bump and seems irritated. I am changing my sites continuously. I think more than normal. Anyways is there something I am doing wrong or something that can help me?
Thanks,
Tonya
Hi Tonya. Lumps and bumps from insulin are called lipohypertrophy, which is a lump under the skin from an accumulation of fat at the site of many insulin injections. Scar tissue may also develop at the sites. You can read more about lipohypertrophy here: http://www.loop-blog.com/lumps-and-bumps-from-insulin-therapy/
Be sure to rotate your sites each time you change your infusion set. This keeps the tissue healthy and allows previous sites to completely heal before reusing them. You may find this article on rotating your sites helpful: http://www.loop-blog.com/4-tips-for-infusion-set-and-sensor-site-rotations/
I recommend talking with your healthcare provider as well, as they can provide you with the best advice to meet your individual needs.
I have a question about Enlite Sensor and Hot tubs. Is it OK to get into a hot tub with the sensor on?
Thank you for asking, Margaret. We do not recommend wearing your CGM in a hot tub or jacuzzi. While the sensor and transmitter are safe to be worn in a hot tub, the adhesive may weaken. If you must go in the jacuzzi, just be very careful and check the adhesive once you’re finished.
I use the mio infusion device for my insulin pump. I’m having problems with the insertion needles bending after I finish putting them in. I have followed the directions to the letter, inserted in various places, but some work right and some don’t. I have lost 6 to this problem so far and have only had my device since mid February 2016. This is making me go through my supplies faster than I should.
Joan, I’m sorry to hear about your experience. I will have one of our specialist reach out to you to see how we can help and see about replacing some of your infusion sets.