Case Study The effects of extreme temperatures on people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes 3 August 2026 Share Share on Linkedin Share on X Share via email Case Study Sussex Patients and public Summary In May 2026, Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) worked with University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust to capture the lived experiences of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Two focus groups were held to explore how temperature extremes affect day-to-day management, health and wellbeing, and to inform future research and service design. The activity was funded by My Charity University Hospitals Sussex. Challenge People living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of becoming unwell during periods of extreme temperatures, with evidence showing higher rates of hospital admissions, GP visits and mortality. There is limited understanding of how hot and cold weather affects people living with diabetes, and what support people need. Many people report receiving little or no guidance on managing their condition during extreme temperatures. Approach Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and University Hospital Sussex (UHSx) Clinical Academic ran two focus groups involving 10 participants. A safe inclusive space was created to enable participants to share their experiences of managing diabetes during extreme weather. The focus group explored the impact of extreme temperatures on blood glucose management, physical and emotional wellbeing, daily activities, use of diabetes technology, and access to information and support. Insights were gathered to ensure future research and service improvement reflected the realities of living with diabetes. Impact Understanding people’s experiences: The insights uncovered significant challenges associated with managing diabetes during extreme temperatures. Participants described difficulties maintaining stable blood glucose levels, increased anxiety and uncertainty, and the additional burden of adapting routines and activities during hot and cold weather. Identifying unmet need: A clear unmet need was identified for practical, personalised guidance on managing diabetes during extreme weather. Many participants were unaware of temperature-related risks and reported receiving little support from healthcare services, increasing the burden of self-management. Shaping research, and future models of care: The insights directly informed a research funding application to the National Institute for Healthcare Research and generated recommendations for future practice. These included raising awareness of temperature-related risks, recognising the different experiences of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, improving support for diabetes technologies, and developing more personalised guidance. By placing lived experience at the centre of research, the research is helping to shape future interventions and reduce health inequalities for people living with diabetes. Find out more Read the full report here.