Manchester is having a heat wave!

With Manchester in the middle of an unexpected heat wave, many of us in the northwest are seizing the chance to enjoy the sunshine and soak up some rare vitamin D. But for those of us living with diabetes, these hot days bring a unique set of challenges that go beyond just staying cool.

Heat can have a big impact on blood glucose levels. It can pull them down faster than usual because warmer temperatures increase insulin absorption, and dehydration makes blood glucose levels harder to manage. Over time, I’ve learned to be extra prepared: I check my levels more often (the Medtronic insulin pump and G4 sensor have really helped in that aspect), carry snacks like glucose tablets or juice, and keep water close by.

But the truth is, even when I’m well prepared, sometimes the heat can be too much. I’ve had to learn (sometimes the hard way) that knowing when to step out of the sun, take a break, and rest in the shade is just as important as packing the right supplies. It’s not always easy, especially when everyone around you is soaking up the sun but listening to what my body needs has been one of the most important lessons.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the privilege of having access to refrigeration to safely store my insulin. Insulin is sensitive to heat and needs to be stored between 2°C and 8°C in the fridge before use, and once opened, kept below about 25°C. Without that, insulin can lose its effectiveness, which can make an already tricky situation much harder.

So as we all enjoy this beautiful weather, I just want to remind anyone else managing a health condition: be gentle with yourself. Stay hydrated, check in with your body, and don’t be afraid to step out of the sun when you need to. Summer is here so let’s enjoy it safely.

Ill leave you with a few beautiful shots from one of my hikes in the Peak District – which is basically on my door step.