By: Dr. Praveen Kumar M , MBBS DNB [ Internal Medicine ], Consultant Physician, Mysore
22 Nov 2023
According to a report released in October 2018 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, due to population relocation, deforestation, and urbanization in India, lead to rising temperatures every year. With rising global carbon dioxide emissions, heat waves are likely to become more intense. Recently, it has been observed that people with diabetes have impaired temperature regulation.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder associated with an impaired ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes complications, such as damage to blood vessels, nerves, and impaired skin blood flow, affect sweat glands, so the body cannot cool as effectively. Additionally, Diabetes patients are more likely to get dehydrated. Low fluid intake can increase blood sugar which can cause more frequent urination that leads to further dehydration. Because diabetic patients are more prone to dehydration, they have more difficulty counteracting their body heat. High temperature also changes the insulin utilization pattern.
As the body finds it difficult to stay cool and due to unstable blood sugar levels, individuals may show symptoms of heat exhaustion such as headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, muscle cramps, stomach cramps, and pale skin. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to more severe and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as heat stroke. Confusion, hallucinations, fast breathing, and convulsions are all signs of heat stroke and need emergency medical attention. 5
Following are the tips a diabetic individual should follow to enjoy summer:
● Drink plenty of water: It is very important to stay hydrated, Carry small bottles of water when you step out in summer.
● Regularly check your blood sugar levels: the patient can easily become dehydrated, raising blood sugar, so taking care of the blood sugar levels during the sun and extreme heat is important.
● Adjust your insulin dose as needed: How your body utilizes insulin might vary in summer. You should check your blood sugar levels more frequently and change your insulin dose accordingly.
● Carry items to treat low blood sugar: keep glucose gel or glucose tablets. You should keep a glucagon kit handy if you frequently experience low blood sugar or have experienced severely low blood sugar in the past.
● Protect your medication: Avoid keeping insulin or oral diabetic medications in a hot car or direct sunlight. High temperatures can affect insulin and other medicines.
● Avoid sunburn: Sunburn stresses your body and can raise blood sugar levels. Use safety eyewear and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
● Avoid caffeinated drinks: alcoholic beverages, coffee, energy, and sports drinks that contain caffeine. These drinks may result in water loss from your body, which might raise your blood sugar levels.
● Physical activity: Exercise is essential for managing diabetes, but avoid exercising during the day's heat. Go outside when it's cooler, such as early in the morning or late at night, or visit a gym or shopping center with air conditioning.
● Heat exhaustion: It needs immediate treatment. Move to a cool place to rest and sip a cold drink.
Summer can be a great time to unwind and relax, but the heat and humidity can take a toll on people with diabetes. It is essential to watch out for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Keep an ample supply of fluids and medications handy!
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