Diabetes Notes

Let me be your cautionary tale

by Rob Rummel-Hudson on August 14th, 2006

Okay, so let me start this off by saying that I had a rough weekend, and I did so because I was shooting a wedding (as in photography; I did not go on a killing spree) in Austin this weekend. It was an outdoor ceremony in Texas in August, at roughly 105°. Not an auspicious way to begin a marriage, but whatever. Start the adversity early, I suppose.

The point is, about halfway through the vows, I started to lose it. I got the message from my body that if I didn’t get away in a hurry, I was going to become a wedding story rather than a wedding photographer. Sure enough, I made it inside to the reception hall bathroom just in time to get dramatically, loudly sick and then pass out on the floor of the bathroom. I had heatstroke, and two days later, I’m still feeling it.

(Fortunately there were two photographers.)

According to Boston’s Joslin Diabetes Center, my diabetes put me at a greater risk for heat-related problems.

“People with chronic diseases like diabetes as well as people taking certain medications, including heart disease medications and diuretics, which are often used to treat complications of diabetes, are at increased risk of experiencing difficulties in the heat, even though they may not be aware of it,” says Catherine Carver, M.S., A.N.P., C.D.E, Director of Educational Services at Joslin Clinic.

Carver recommends taking a few basic steps for diabetics during the summer. Staying hydrated is important, since dehydration can be aggravated by unstable blood glucose levels. Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion, including feeling dizzy or fainting, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, clammy skin, headaches, a rapid heartbeat or nausea. You should exercise in a cool place. (Duh.) Finally, you should check blood sugar levels at least four times a day, and carry water and snacks. (Remember to store your glucose meter, strips and insulin in a cool, dry place.)

Patients using insulin pumps should also be aware of the special concerns brought on by excessive perspiration and insulation of the pump itself from the heat.

So there you go. Don’t learn the hard way like I did, because if nothing else, hot bridesmaids won’t flirt with the wedding photographer if he’s all pale and flushed and has barf breath.

(via Medical News Today and my hip and happenin’ friend Rhys.)

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