Diabetes in the Heat?

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I'm hoping some of our more seasoned diabetics/parents of diabetics can help me out.

I was just hired to work an outdoor coaster at Worlds of Fun. The one thing I'm nervous about is the heat because I have noticed in the past that I got low more often during the summer, particularly when it is hot and I am moving around. I plan to find a way to keep my meter and tabs with me (although they dont' give us a "rain pouch" like Disney does. Hopefully they will fit in my pockets), but I'm worried about the high temps causing my meter to be outside of its operational temperatures and/or damaging my strips? Do I need to be concerned about this? Is there something that I can use to keep things cool in the high temps that will fit in my pockets? What about avoiding lows when it is hot out? I might be going up to 6 hours sans break so this will definitely be a learning curve!

 

[SueM in MN]

One thing to keep in mind is that you may need some reasonable accommodations related to your disability/condition. These would be protected by the ADA.
I'm thinking about things like some things like a fanny pack that is not part of the uniform or some other place to store supplies (like maybe a cooler), time for testing that means you need a break sooner than 6 hours.

I have heard of people carrying meters and strips in a Frio pack, but your fellow people with diabetes will be a better judge of whether that would get too cold or not. Hopefully, you will get lots of helpful advice.

But, keep in mind that any accommodations you need related to your diabetes are for your and the park's guests safety. The last thing the park would want is a illness or injury that could have been easily prevented by simple accommodations.

 

[buffettgirl]

Sue had great tips as far as the legality of accomodations.

As for the heat - The heat probably won't be too horrible up in MO... . I have found that our meters are ok as long as they're out of the direct sun, like in a bag, even at the beach we don't have trouble. The only time we've had trouble is when a meter was accidently left in a closed car. But maybe if there is a way you can have a small cooler bag with you? I'd also say that you'd probably need a good overall decrease in basal insulin probably for a full 24 hours after you're working - are you pumping or doing shots?? We usually see a big decrease in insulin at the beginning of the summer for my son - sometimes even as much as 20% less. You're going to have to judge it yourself and adjust accordingly. My opinion is to decrease the insulin rather than trying to constantly be on top of the carbs. You'd probably also want to keep something a little longer acting than glucose tabs with you - like a granola bar..?? just as insurance.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I'm not on insulin or any meds at the moment, stictly diet and exercise. Despite that, I have managed to hit the lower 40's on several occasions and sometimes may have several milder (like 50s) hypos a week depending on my level of activity and TOM (I find when I'm PMSing I also go low more often.) This is why I have not been put on meds yet, the only med that doesn't cause lows is Met and with my digestive problems we decided met is not a good idea.

 

[honugirl]

I recommend the Frio packs. I use them for my solu-cortef when it gets hot. I keeps it at a good temp. There's a liner you can get for it that will protect any electronic equipment like your meter. They come in different sizes.

I would ask for the accommodation to eat at regular intervals which will help keep blood sugar more stable if you eat a good mix of protein and carbs. Have fun! It sounds like a really interesting job.

 

[buffettgirl]

I'm not on insulin or any meds at the moment, stictly diet and exercise. Despite that, I have managed to hit the lower 40's on several occasions and sometimes may have several milder (like 50s) hypos a week depending on my level of activity and TOM (I find when I'm PMSing I also go low more often.) This is why I have not been put on meds yet, the only med that doesn't cause lows is Met and with my digestive problems we decided met is not a good idea.

gotcha...
do you like things like peanuts or cachews?? Those are good for keep BG's nice an level without causing spikes...

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I had my second day at the ride today and found out that at our ride we are allowed to keep things there. That makes life a million times easier, as they go in the panel room which has an air conditioner. The other great thing is that most of the positions are in the shade. The only one that is not is greeter, and we almost never have it.

The only bad thing is that we get one break our entire shift, unlike Disney where attractions had their breaks broken up. Yesterday I had lunch at 12and got off at 8. That was my only break (including bathroom break.) People do bring snacks and keep them in the panel, so now that I have tested out, I can always try to sneak in a snack there!

It was kind of crazy because I actually had a guest hypo in my queue today. She was in the load gates right by me and I saw her on the floor with her boyfriend sort of helping her sit up. They told me she had hypoglycemia but she didn't want any help. We got her some water, but that was about all we could do since she refused to let us call somebody.