Be sure to talk to your medical professional before making any treatment or equipment changes.
When Heat Hits Your Diabetes Gear, Accuracy Can Take a Dive
It’s no secret that summer heat can wear you down—but what many people with diabetes don’t realize is how damaging high temperatures can be to their medical supplies. From insulin pens to glucose test strips and CGM sensors, your tools are only as effective as the environment allows them to be.
A few hours in a hot car or beach bag may be all it takes to degrade your equipment—and throw your blood sugar readings off track. Let’s dive into what heat does to your gear and how to protect it all summer long.
1. Insulin Pens: Heat Can Destroy Potency
Insulin is a temperature-sensitive medication. It needs to be:
- Refrigerated before opening (36°F–46°F / 2°C–8°C)
- Kept below 86°F (30°C) once opened and in use
Exposing insulin to heat for extended periods can reduce its strength or render it completely ineffective. This could mean unexplained highs—even when your dosing and timing are perfect.
How to protect your insulin pens:
- Use an insulated travel case with a gel pack if you’re out for the day
- Never leave insulin in a parked car
- Rotate your supply regularly and watch expiration dates
Tip: Stick with high-quality, well-manufactured insulin and pen needles to ensure consistent performance under variable conditions.
2. Test Strips: Small, but Highly Sensitive
Glucose test strips contain enzymes and chemicals that react to the glucose in your blood. High heat—and humidity—can interfere with their ability to deliver accurate readings.
Most test strip packaging specifies a safe temperature range, often between 39°F and 86°F (4°C–30°C). Once strips are exposed to extreme heat, they may:
- Show falsely high or low readings
- Become unusable
- In rare cases, trigger errors on your meter
Protect your strips by:
- Storing them in their original container, tightly closed
- Keeping the container out of direct sunlight
- Avoiding bathrooms or glove boxes, where temps can spike fast
3. CGM Sensors and Transmitters: Not Immune to Heat
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are more advanced than fingerstick meters—but they’re still vulnerable to temperature extremes. Sensors worn on the body may detach early or degrade if the adhesive or sensor chemistry is compromised by sweat and heat.
CGM transmitters and receivers also have operating temperature ranges, typically 50°F to 104°F (10°C–40°C). Prolonged exposure beyond those limits can:
- Shorten sensor lifespan
- Cause erratic readings
- Trigger data transmission errors
To avoid issues:
- Keep your receiver or smartphone in the shade
- Use breathable adhesive patches for outdoor activities
- Store backup sensors in a cool, dry area—never in your car or direct sun
4. Insulin Pumps: Electronic, and Also Heat-Sensitive
Insulin pumps contain electronic components and insulin reservoirs—both of which can be affected by heat. Direct sunlight or high body surface temperatures can lead to:
- Insulin degradation inside the pump
- Device overheating or error messages
- Tubing issues, such as air bubbles or leaks
Best practices:
- Wear the pump under light clothing when outdoors
- Use a clip-on pouch or armband to reduce sun exposure
- Swap out insulin more frequently in the summer
5. When in Doubt, Replace It
Sometimes, you won’t know a product has failed until your blood sugar is way off. If your test strip or sensor has been exposed to high heat and something feels “off,” trust your gut.
Replace questionable supplies immediately, and don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer—many offer replacement programs for heat-damaged gear.
6. Travel Tip: Always Carry a Backup Kit
Whether you’re going to a park, a road trip, or flying across the country, make summer travel easier by building a heat-smart diabetes kit, including:
- Insulin in an insulated case
- Spare pen needles or syringes
- Extra CGM sensors or test strips
- Alcohol swabs and adhesive patches
- A thermometer strip to monitor temp-sensitive items
Final Thought: Don’t Let Heat Undermine Your Health
Your diabetes supplies are your lifeline—don’t let the summer sun cut them short. With high-quality insulin, durable pen needles, and temperature-conscious habits, you can maintain accuracy and safety no matter how high the mercury climbs.
References:
- American Diabetes Association. (2022). Heat and Diabetes Equipment Safety. https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/hot-weather
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Managing Diabetes in the Heat. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/heat.html
- Insulin Manufacturer Guidelines – Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi
- Dexcom, Abbott, and Medtronic Device Manuals – Operating Temperature and Storage Guidelines