Diabetes Tips for Summer: With the sun shining brightly overhead, diabetics need to watch their blood sugar levels a little extra for a cool summer day.
Diabetes Tips for Summer: The sun is already shining on us. Hats and umbrellas are out, sunscreens are applied as we prepare to sweat it out on hot summer days. Health care varies from season to season and with the summer sun, hydration, a healthy diet and exercise all take a different approach together. Heat stroke, heat wave, exhaustion are seasonal health trends. Speaking of summer health, people living with diabetes need to be a little more cautious than usual. As temperatures rise during the summer months, it’s important to consider the impact extreme heat can have on diabetes management. Maintaining blood sugar levels in the sun becomes a more than usual task since temperatures more easily affect glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Diabetes Tips: How Does Hot Weather Affect Blood Sugar?
Speaking to india.com, Dr. Sandeep Sonawane, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai, said the heat can affect blood sugar control, particularly for those who use insulin or struggle to maintain effective levels. of sugar in the blood. Additionally, dehydration caused by exposure to high temperatures can lead to further imbalances in blood sugar and increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
It can affect sweat glands, damage blood vessels or nerves, etc. Heat stroke or exhaustion would be another medical emergency entirely. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes can become dehydrated more quickly and if the blood vessels are affected, it will reduce the body’s ability to cool itself and may also change the way the body handles insulin.
Diabetes Tips: 8 Lifestyle Habits for the Summer Season
Dr. Sonawane also shared some lifestyle changes that can help maintain and regulate blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. To help manage your diabetes while enjoying outdoor activities, there are several tips to keep in mind.
- Hydration is the golden rule: It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Carrying small bottles of water or low-calorie sports drinks that replenish electrolytes can help you avoid becoming dehydrated during physical activity. Aim for at least two liters of water per day.
- Frequent monitoring: Checking your blood sugar levels more often during hot weather can also help you keep track of any fluctuations.
- Check insulin level: It is also important to adjust your insulin doses as needed, in consultation with your healthcare provider or diabetes educator. Keep items like glucose tablets or toffee on hand to treat low blood sugar, and take steps to protect your medications and supplies from extreme heat.
- Avoid sunburn: To avoid sunburn, wear light-colored cotton clothing and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Having a high fiber diet: Including plenty of fiber-rich leafy greens like cabbage, methi, palak, lauki, and bitter gourd in your diet can also help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Add some citrus fruits too: Additionally, consuming citrus fruits like lemons, amla, oranges, and watermelon, as well as cucumber and coconut water, can help you maintain hydration.
- You can also include other hydrating options like diluted skim buttermilk, lemon or tomato juice (no added sugar), and iced tea (no added sugar).
- High calorie fruit ONLY in moderation: It is important to consume high-calorie fruits like mangoes and jackfruit in moderation to avoid spikes in blood sugar.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can help manage your diabetes while enjoying the outdoors during the summer months. Always check with your health care provider or diabetes educator for personalized advice on managing your diabetes in hot weather.
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