What a T1D Dietitian Says About Sunburns
As the weather warms up and more time is spent outdoors, many people with diabetes may overlook one small but powerful factor that can impact their blood sugar: sunburns.
Yes, sunburns—those painful, red reminders of forgotten sunscreen—can throw off your blood sugar control in ways you might not expect.
A registered diabetes dietitian, certified Diabetes Educator, and someone who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 25 years, knows this situation firsthand. And he has one message: don’t underestimate how your skin’s reaction to the sun can impact your diabetes management.
Sunburns and Blood Sugar: What's the Connection?
For people living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) alike, it’s essential to understand how stress affects blood sugar. And yes, sunburn is considered a type of physical stress on the body.
When the sun damages skin, the body kicks into repair mode. That triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Unfortunately, cortisol can cause blood sugar to rise, even if your diet and activity levels haven't changed. This can lead to confusion and frustration if you're not expecting it. It can lead to persistent blood sugar spikes that don’t respond as expected to usual medications or insulin. Even if nothing else in your routine has changed, this internal response can cause elevated numbers for hours, sometimes days.
This is where a specialized T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian becomes especially valuable. These professionals understand the full scope of how life’s little surprises, like sunburns, can impact diabetes management. They can help create a flexible plan for insulin adjustments when unexpected blood sugar spikes happen. Meanwhile, a Type 2 diabetes dietitian might guide clients on how to safely manage medications or adjust their meals and activity levels if stressors like sunburn occur.
Whether someone is newly diagnosed or has been managing diabetes for decades, having a care team ensures they're prepared for more than just food choices. They’re ready for real-life situations that can influence their health, sunburns included!
Prevention: Your Best Bet
Of course, the best way to deal with sunburn-related blood sugar spikes is to avoid getting burned in the first place.
Using sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are simple strategies that go a long way. This might not sound like a job for a dietitian, but in fact, it is.
A proactive Diabetes Educator or diabetes-focused dietitian will talk about all aspects of self-care, not just what’s on your plate. That’s because successful diabetes management is about more than food and insulin—it’s about understanding how your entire lifestyle plays a role in your health.
What Should You Do If You Get a Sunburn?
If a sunburn happens—and it does—it's important to:
- Treat the burn promptly according to your doctor’s recommendations.
- Monitor your blood sugars more closely. Be aware that they may rise unexpectedly.
- Talk to your care team, especially your diabetes dietitian, about whether temporary changes to your insulin or medications are needed.
- Stay hydrated, as burns can increase fluid needs and affect how your body handles glucose.
Living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes means constantly learning how your body reacts to everyday experiences. Sunburns may seem harmless, but for someone managing blood sugar, they can become a serious obstacle. That’s why partnering with a T1D or T2D dietitian and a knowledgeable Diabetes Educator is so crucial. These experts can help you plan not just for meals and medications, but for unexpected situations, so nothing catches you off guard.
When the sun is shining, and you're heading outdoors, don’t forget your sunscreen. Your skin and your blood sugar will thank you.
