dLife Medical Advisory Board Issues Urgent Summer Alert for People With Diabetes

dLife Medical Advisory Board Issues Urgent Summer Alert for People With Diabetes

Simple Precautions Can Prevent Diabetic Complications From Heat-Related Injury, Illness

WESTPORT, Conn., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to reduce heat- related illness and injury among people with diabetes this summer, the dLife Medical Advisory Board, a team of leading diabetes experts from top research and clinical institutions, has issued these important seasonal diabetes alerts.

dLife diabetes alerts are sent periodically to inform the over 18.3 million Americans living with diabetes, their 50 million family members, plus 41 million with pre-diabetes about important and timely issues impacting diabetes health and lifestyle. Go to www.dLife.com or tune into dLifeTV (Sundays at 7PM on CNBC) for further information on living well with diabetes during the summer months.

1) Keep insulin and supplies cool.

Overheated insulin can lose potency, and blood glucose meters and test strips left in direct sun or unprotected in the heat may give inaccurate readings. Insulated supply bags with cool packs can help keep supplies and medications within manufacturers' recommended temperature limits.

2) Don't walk barefoot.

People with diabetes are at high risk for foot complications. Due to diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), they may not feel the heat of sand or pavement or any cuts, abrasions, burns, or blisters on their feet. These wounds can be slow to heal and prone to infection. Well-fitting shoes that cover the entire foot and have a closed toe and a protective sole should be worn at all times. Aqua or beach shoes can help protect feet at the beach or pool.

3) Protect your skin.

A sunburn can be serious business for someone with diabetes. Wear adequate sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 (higher if you tend to burn easily).

4) Stay hydrated.

Both summer heat and elevated blood glucose levels can increase the risk of dehydration. When things heat up, carry water or another decaffeinated drink with you at all times and drink small amounts (i.e., a swallow or two) every 15 to 30 minutes to stay hydrated.

About dLife

dLife is the first and only multimedia platform for information, inspiration, and connection to help people with diabetes manage their challenging condition and live long and healthy lives. dLifeTV, the first weekly lifestyle talk show about diabetes, is produced by dLife and airs Sunday evenings on CNBC at 7:00PM Eastern, 6:00PM Central, and 4:00PM Pacific. dLifeRadio is heard around the country on over 400 radio stations, and dLife.com is the largest independent website devoted to the diabetes lifestyle at www.dLife.com.

The dLife Medical Advisory Board consists of some of the top diabetes specialists in the world: Dr. C. Ronald Kahn, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston MA; Dr. James Gavin, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta GA; Dr. Richard Bernstein, Diabetes Center, Mamaroneck NY; Dr. Irl Hirsch, University of Seattle, WA; Dr. Lois Jovanovic, Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, Santa Barbara CA; Dr. Jay Skyler, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami FL; Dr. Aaron Vinik, Sterlitz Diabetes Research Institute, Norfolk, VA; Dr. Francine Kaufman, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, CA; Dr. Sheri Colberg- Ochs, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA; Dr. Richard Rubin, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; R. Keith Campbell, RPh, CDE, FASHP, Washington State University College of Pharmacy, Seattle, WA; Dr. Judy Wylie-Rosett, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, New York, NY; Joy Pape, RN, BSN, CDE, WOSN, CFNC, Columbia, MO; and Dr. Bob Arnot, Former NBC Chief Medical Editor, author of eight books.

Source: dLife

CONTACT: Team PR, +1-203-454-8880, dlifepr@theprcollective.com, for dLife

Web site: http://www.dlife.com/

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