The summer months affect everyone harder, and diabetes exacerbates the effect by making it harder for the body to control the high heat and humidity. Patients with diabetes are more sensitive to high temperatures and humidity. Hot summers increase the risk of heat exhaustion and make it difficult for diabetics to maintain normal blood sugar levels.Also read – Janhvi Kapoor in Bright Light, 5 Actresses Who Entered The Neckline To Drown Sexuality In Summer – See Hot Pics
In fact, temperatures above 80 ° F (about 27 ° C), especially when accompanied by high humidity, also affect diabetes medications and test supplies. Also read – 6 New Ways to Improve Your Summer Health
So, when the weather gets hot, be sure to closely monitor the blood sugar level (BSL) and pay attention to the signs that the body is not handling the heat well and take appropriate action before the situation becomes serious. Also read – Health Tips: 4 nutritious and strong foods to keep you fit and healthy
Reasons why summer can affect diabetics more than others
- Inactive sweat glands
Persistent high blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes in general can damage blood vessels and nerves. Almost every part of the body, including the sweat glands, is affected by high blood sugar. Ineffective sweat glands are unable to cool the body effectively. This condition worsens with moisture as moisture slows down evaporation, which further affects the body’s ability to stay cool. Therefore, patients with diabetes are more susceptible to high temperatures and humidity.
Another problem with diabetes that contributes to dehydration is frequent urination. This is because too much sugar in the blood makes the kidneys work harder. When the kidneys fail to function, the excess glucose is pushed out of the body by the urine which poses a high risk of dehydration.
Diabetic drugs are prescribed to control blood pressure (BP) in diabetic patients with high blood pressure. Diuretics stimulate the kidneys to release sodium which stimulates urination, effectively expelling excess fluid from the veins, which while helping to control BP, but at the same time, can lead to dehydration.
Higher ambient temperatures result in more insulin peak effects, i.e. when the effectiveness of insulin is at its highest level and its duration of action compared to lower ambient temperature. Therefore, patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus may experience more hypoglycemic events, with or without high ambient temperature, high humidity.
In other words, the weather affects the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. Therefore, diabetic patients need to have their blood sugar level (BSL) tested and the dose of insulin adjusted more often; With their diet.
Exercise is one of the cornerstones of the diabetes-management code. But when the weather is hot outside and especially, when the humidity level is very high, there is a high risk of dehydration and fatigue. However, this does not mean that a person should give up their method of exercise. After sunset, one can choose to switch to early morning hours or evenings or even workout in air-conditioned spaces.
Summer precautions
Summer heat and humidity can be detrimental to anyone, especially diabetics. But with a few precautions, a person can reduce the risks and manage to get through the summer months. The following precautions can help diabetics avoid major health problems caused by heat.
It is important to drink enough water to replace the fluid lost in the sweat and urine. Drink fluids regularly, preferably water, even when you are not thirsty. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages such as sports or energy drinks as they have a diuretic effect and also increase BSL. As an alternative, drinking lemon water or coconut water can do wonders to quench thirst and replenish the body.
If you are going out, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Wear a cap and maybe an umbrella. Essentially, protect the body and protect it from direct sunlight.
If participating in any activity, in particular, something that is strenuous, be sure to inspect the BSL before, during and after the activity. If necessary, adjust the amount of insulin.
Avoid clothing made of polyester, nylon and dark, tight or heavy clothing. Instead, wear light and light colored clothing made from natural materials such as cotton.
For many, summer is a beach visit. If so, be sure to keep and apply generously with sunscreen and do not walk barefoot. The same applies to poolside interludes.
- Protect your medical supplies
Direct heat is bad for diabetes medications, in fact for any medication. Therefore, be sure to follow the storage instructions. As a rule of thumb, keep insulin and / or oral medications in a cool, dry place. But don’t keep medicines in an ice box. Placing them directly on ice or ice packs can also damage them.
Other diabetes equipment and supplies, such as blood sugar monitors, insulin pumps and strips, are also sensitive to heat. For extended periods of outdoor exposure, be sure to protect diabetes equipment, medications and other supplies from direct sun and heat.
(Article written by Dr. Pramod Tripathi, Founder, Freedom from Diabetes (FFD). Disclaimer: The tips and procedures shared in this article are for general purpose and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult a medical professional before making any changes. Your diet or fitness routine.)
