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. 2010 Sep 1;4(5):1156-63.
doi: 10.1177/193229681000400514.

Diabetes in the desert: what do patients know about the heat?

Adrienne A Nassar  1 , Raymond D Childs, Mary E Boyle, Kimberly A Jameson, Margaret Fowke, Ken R Waters, Michael J Hovan, Curtiss B Cook
Affiliations

Diabetes in the desert: what do patients know about the heat?

Adrienne A Nassar et al. J Diabetes Sci Technol. .

Abstract

Background: This study aims to identify self-management strategies used by patients with diabetes in hot weather, examine knowledge of safe temperatures and exposure times, and evaluate comprehension of weather data.

Methods: Patients attending an endocrinology clinic in southwestern United States were surveyed.

Results: One hundred fifty-two surveys completed from November 30 to December 31, 2009 were analyzed. Mean patient age was 64 years; diabetes duration e analyzed 15 years; 51% were women 83% had type 2 diabetes, 58% were non Hispanic white, and 77% were on insulin injections. Mean hemoglobin A1c was 7.9%; 38% had hemoglobin A1c values of 8.0% or higher. Patients used an array of personal protective measures during hot weather, and 71% limited heat exposure to less than one hour. Respondents typically took steps to protect their diabetes medication and supplies, but 37% chose to leave medications and supplies at home. Although 73% of respondents had received information regarding the effect of heat on insulin, only 39% had received information about the effect of heat on oral medications, 41% on glucose meters, and 38% on glucose test strips. The temperature at which patients took protective measures varied. Only 55% knew the definition of the heat index.

Conclusion: Most survey participants took measures to protect themselves from the heat, although gaps in knowledge were evident. Many patients had suboptimal glycemic control, placing them potentially at risk for dehydration during the hottest months. Increased public awareness of this topic is needed, and diabetes education programs should include information about the heat where appropriate.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
(A) Temperature ranges at which patients with diabetes reported taking personal protective measures in the heat; no one indicated a temperature higher than 116 °F. (B) Temperature ranges at which respondents reported protecting their diabetes equipment, medications, and supplies; no patients reported waiting until temperatures reached ranges of 106 °F or higher.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Types of protective measures patients with diabetes reported using in the heat for themselves (A) and for their equipment, medications, and supplies (B).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values (A) and percentage of HbA1c values of 8.0% or higher (B) by quarter.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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