Same Insulin. New Season. Different Results.
by IDS Director of Advanced Technologies, Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES
Nicer weather is finally here! You finally head outside for a walk, a bike ride, or to start dealing with the weeds, ahem, garden – and then your CGM starts beeping. You fix it and keep moving. You’re reaching for glucose tabs another hour later, wondering what in the world is going on! Spring is wonderful. The sunshine. The warmth. The plants start growing.
For people living with Type 1 diabetes, Spring is also one of the sneakiest seasons of the year.
Warmer Weather – Lower Insulin Doses
As temperatures rise and activity increases, insulin sensitivity improves — meaning the doses that kept your glucose steady(-ish) all winter may now run you too low. Warmer weather improves peripheral circulation and speeds absorption from injection and infusion sites. Since it is not cold enough (in many places) to be dealing with a freezing cold air conditioner, or hot enough to overheat your insulin, the warmer temperatures can increase the efficacy of your insulin absorption.
People naturally start moving around more when there are more hours of light in the day. Low to moderate intensity physical activity is surprisingly great at lowering your insulin demand. If your numbers are trending lower and nothing obvious has changed, the season itself is likely the explanation!
Heat Is Hard on Insulin – Get Ready for It!
Before summer arrives, plan ahead. Insulin degrades above 80°F (26°C) even if there are no visual changes to the insulin in a pen or vial. Insulin left in a hot car, a bag in direct sun, or a long outdoor excursion in hot, sunny weather can compromise your supply.
CGM sensors and pump sites lose their stick in heat and sweat, and infusion sets may absorb differently as skin temperature rises. Take five minutes now: refresh your insulated travel case, check your device manufacturer’s temperature guidance, and refresh your supply of extra adhesives.
Sun – the Emotional Lift of Spring
There’s also something worth honoring: spring genuinely lifts people. After the psychological weight that winter often brings — and the burnout that comes with managing diabetes — warmer days can offer an amazing reset.
Getting outdoors is a wonderful way to ground yourself in what is most important. That renewed energy is worth channeling. Let this season be a reason to revisit your goals, try a new activity, and reconnect with what feeling well actually feels like.
Reduced stress improves insulin sensitivity, too! But, get your insulin adjustment plans and physical activity strategies outlined BEFORE you become the sweaty, low glucose, beeping sensor person with diabetes I described at the beginning of this article! (I may or may not be speaking from experience on this one!!!)
Your Spring Reset Checklist
• Revisit basal rates and correction factors — increased activity may mean less insulin is needed. Do you need a different pump profile or adjustments to your dose plan?
• Store insulin safely: insulated case if it is hot outside, out of direct sun, never in a hot car
• Stock up: stock your outdoor bag with fast-acting glucose, snacks, water, and backup supplies
• Protect CGM and pump sites from sweat — review adhesive strategies for warmer months
• Safety tip: Avoid getting bug spray or sunblock on ANY of your diabetes tech. It can cause a chemical reaction with the devices, causing intense heat and may damage the device or burn your skin!!!
• Get help: If patterns are shifting, reach out to your CDCES at IDS — that’s exactly what we’re here for!
Spring changes can be challenging. With a little preparation, your management can change right along with it.
Go enjoy the sunshine!
