Hot Weather & Diabetes Tech: Keeping Cool When Temperatures Rise
Summer is all about ice creams, beach days and outdoor adventures, but if your child has Type 1 diabetes, hot weather can throw in some extra challenges. Sweat can make CGMs and insulin pump sites peel off, heat can affect insulin and device performance and higher temperatures can even cause unexpected blood sugar swings.
Don’t worry- we’ve got cool solutions to keep insulin, devices and your child safe in the heat, so they can enjoy summer without the stress!
How Does Hot Weather Affect Diabetes Gear?
Before we dive into the best summer survival tips, let’s talk about why heat can be tricky for diabetes management:
Insulin can lose effectiveness if it gets too hot (above 30C/86F)
Sweat can loosen adhesives, making CGMs and pump sites fall off
Diabetes devices can overheat, affecting battery life and performance
Hot weather can cause blood sugar swings, leading to more frequent highs or lows
Now, let’s break down exactly what you can do to manage diabetes tech like a pro in hot weather!
1. Keep Insulin Cool (Without Freezing It!)
Insulin is super sensitive to heat- once it gets too warm, it might not work properly, leading to stubborn high blood sugars.
Use a cooling pouch- Brands like Frio and MedAngel keep insulin at a safe temperature without needing ice packs.
Never leave insulin in a hot car- Temperatures inside a parked car can reach 50C+ (120F) in minutes
Carry a small insulated bag- Use a cooler lunchbox with an ice pack, but never place insulin directly on the ice (freezing it ruins it too!)
Keep an eye on insulin in pumps- If the pump is attached to the body, body heat + outside heat can weaken insulin faster. Consider changing the insulin more frequently in hot weather.
Bonus Tip: If you’re travelling, use a temperature sensor (like MedAngel) that connects to your phone and alerts you if your insulin is too warm!
2. Stop Sweat From Loosening CGMs & Pump Sites
Sticky patches + sweat= disaster! If your child’s CGM or infusion set keeps falling off in the heat, try these tricks for extra stickiness:
Use Skin Tac or Mastisol for better grip before applying a sensor
Try overpatches (Libre’s official patches, Dexcom overpatches or RockTape)
Waterproof tapes like KT Tape can reinforce devices for swimming or sweaty sports
Reduce Sweat & Skin Irritation:
Use antiperspirant wipes (like Carpe or Neat 3B) on the area before applying a sensor.
Avoid moisturisers or lotions near the site before applying adhesives
Bonus Tip: If an infusion set or CGM keeps peeling, switch locations to a less sweaty area (like the outer arm or thigh instead of the stomach).
3. Swimming with CGMs & Pumps: What’s Waterproof?
Summer = pool time, beach trips and water fights! What about diabetes tech?
Are CGMs Waterproof?
Dexcom G6/G7 & Libre 2/3-> Water-resistant, but adhesives may loosen.
Guardian Sensor 3 (Medtronic) -> Water-resistant for up to 30 minutes.
Are Insulin Pumps Waterproof?
Waterproof Pumps -> YpsoPump, Omnipod 5 (up to 7.6m for 60 minutes)
NOT Waterproof -> Medtronic 780G, Tandem t:slim X2 (unless using a waterproof case)
Keeping Devices Secure in Water:
Use extra adhesive patches before swimming
Waterproof bands/ covers (like AquaPac) help protect non-waterproof pumps
Dry the site completely after swimming before reapplying tape.
Bonus Tip: If your child loves diving, slides or rough water play- consider removing the pump temporarily and reconnecting after (just check with your diabetes team!)
4. Prevent Devices from Overheating
Just like insulin, CGMs, pumps and meters don’t like extreme heat. Leaving them in direct sun can cause malfunctions or battery issues.
Never leave devices in direct sunlight- If you’re at the beach or on a road trip, keep them in a shaded bag.
Turn off backup devices- If you’re out in the heat for hours, turning off a backup meter or phone can prevent overheating.
Use a small fan- A clip-on fan can help cool down pumps and CGMs if they feel hot.
Bonus Tip: If a pump or CGM feels warm to the touch, take a break in the shade and let it cool down before using it again.
5. Stay Hydrated & Watch for Blood Sugar Swings
Hot weather can mess with blood sugars! Heat speeds up insulin absorption, which can lead to more lows, but dehydration can also cause highs.
Tips for Balancing Blood Sugars in the Heat:
Drink plenty of water- Dehydration can cause higher blood sugars.
Check BGs more often- Hot weather can cause unexpected lows.
Have quick-acting carbs on hand- Sweaty, active children burn through glucose faster in the heat.
Bonus Tip: If your child is playing in the heat for a long time, reduce basal insulin slightly to prevent lows (always check with your diabetes team first!).
Final Thoughts: Summer Fun Without the Stress
Hot weather doesn’t have to mean diabetes tech struggles! With the right cooling tricks, strong adhesives and hydration strategies, your child can enjoy summer without worrying about failing sensors or overheated insulin.
Summer Checklist for Diabetes Tech:
Cooling pouch for insulin
Stronger adhesive for CGMs & pumps
Extra overpatches & waterproof covers
Stay hydrated & check BGs often
Shade & cooling solutions for devices
With a little prep, your child can enjoy every summer adventure stress-free- from splashing in the pool to running wild in the sunshine!