I learned something new today, I always knew that diabetics do not handle heat well, but never really knew why, just that the DR told me to be careful, so after a conversation with a friend, I decided to look it up, and here is what I learned:

Dr. Adrienne Nassar, Mayo Clinic medical resident and lead author of the study, said in a news release, "People with diabetes have an impaired ability to sweat, which predisposes them to heat-related illness, as do uncontrolled, high blood sugars." She added: "Heat illness can take place at 80 to 90 degrees when you factor in the heat index."

A diabetic is at a higher risk of having adverse effects from heat sensitivity. A diabetic that hasn't taken preventive measures when subjected to extreme heat may have increased visits to an emergency room or may be hospitalized. A diabetic can suffer from dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. Many diabetics are known to have suboptimal glycemic condition, which may increase a diabetic's risk of dehydration. A person that has diabetes is also put at a higher risk for death.

Diabetics need to know when to start preventive measures. Diabetics are more prone to have difficulties in the ability to sweat. This predisposes a diabetic to heat-related illnesses. High humidity makes heat even more dangerous because it slows the evaporation of perspiration, which is the way a body cools itself. The National Weather Service suggest that diabetics and others at a higher risk for heat sensitivity should begin taking precautions when the heat index reaches 80 or 90 to avoid heat stroke and other heat-related conditions.