Diabetes Health Risk: List of 4 Summer Time Illness People With High Blood Sugar Can Experience, And How to Deal With It

The high temperatures and humid climate provide a fertile place for the growth of bacteria and fungi. Therefore, keeping your guard up is even more imperative, especially when glucose levels keep fluctuating.

The changing seasons and weather have their own set of health risks. Depending on the type of climate, temperature, climate and environment, there is a probability that various types of viruses or bacteria will thrive or not. The change of spring brings different types of flu and fever, while the monsoon has more mosquito-borne diseases. Similarly, summer bacteria and fungi often lead to further infection or disease. During that time, people with underlying health conditions should be vigilant as their immunity could be compromised. Blood sugar has a lot to do with how well our bodies can fight off foreign pathogens.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder associated with a decreased ability to regulate blood glucose levels. Over time, diabetes has an effect on the blood vessels, heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves, leading to various complications.

Summer Diabetes Health Risks

Also, high blood glucose levels can weaken a person’s immune system, making people with diabetes more susceptible to infection. Several studies have reported that people with diabetes are at increased risk of:

• lower respiratory tract infections
• pulmonary tuberculosis
• pneumonia
• urinary tract infections,
• Skin and soft tissue

The weakened immune system further promotes a rapid spread of infections with higher levels of glucose in the blood and tissues.

Common summer infections in people with diabetes

Urinary tract infection

Dehydration is more common during the summer, so your body can’t properly eliminate the harmful bacteria that cause UTIs. Dr. Vanishri Ganakumar, MD (Medicine), DM (Endocrinology) – AIIMS shared exclusively with india.com that people with diabetes have compromised immunity, poor metabolic control and incomplete bladder emptying due to autonomic neuropathy, all of which may contribute to the increased risk of urinary tract infections.

mycoses

High temperatures cause perspiration and a fungal infection develops when the skin remains wet for long periods. Yeast infections are most likely to occur around the genital area, feet, skin folds, and regions where sweat collects easily. Additionally, compromised immunity combined with high glucose levels in sweat, mucous membranes, and urine create a favorable environment for fungal growth.

Heat stroke or exhaustion

Dehydration and excessive sweating can create an imbalance in glucose levels. This could lead to sudden heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Poisoned food

A hot and humid climate is the perfect time for fungi and bacteria to grow and contaminate food. Therefore, if every time you eat out you are experiencing gastronomic discomfort, take it as a sign and hydrate properly.

Advice to prevent infections this summer

1. drink plenty of water: It is very important to stay hydrated in summer to prevent urinary tract infections and eliminate toxins.
2. Control blood glucose levels: This can be achieved by following up regularly with your doctor, taking your medication at the prescribed time, monitoring your blood glucose levels and continuing to exercise.
3. Maintain good personal hygiene: Wash your hands with soap regularly, especially after using the bathroom, immediately after sneezing or coughing, before eating, after visiting someone who is sick, or whenever your hands are dirty.
4. Keep your skin dry, wear loose cotton clothing, and do not wear sweaty clothing for more than a few hours.
5. Wear good, soft, covered shoes and regularly inspect your feet for cuts,
   cracks or wounds.
6. Avoid holding urine: Holding urine for too long can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Be sure to urinate regularly when necessary.
7. Seek early medical attention: If you have an open wound from an injury, bacteria can easily enter and develop into an infection. See a doctor immediately if you are injured.

Although summer is a good time to relax, people with diabetes are more prone to seasonal infections due to heat and humidity. However, these infections can be prevented with daily blood glucose monitoring, regular visits to the doctor, and good personal hygiene.