Diabetes is characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream. It may lead to health consequences if not managed properly. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are roughly 463 million persons worldwide who have diabetes, with this figure anticipated to rise to 700 million by 2045. Diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, extreme thirst or hunger, exhaustion, and numbness in the feet or hands. What are the major resulting complications? How to manage diabetes efficiently? Well, controlling diabetes all year round could be challenging.
Let’s delve further into the topic of efficient management of diabetes.
Vacations and all outdoor activities could be a part of summer. But, intense heat is also a part of it. Diabetes could be sensitive to summer’s hot weather. Diabetes should not be a barrier to your vacations.
Who doesn’t love to have cold soda and other cold drinks? But, unfortunately, it is loaded with high sugar levels. Things can become even worse if proper precautions are not included. Managing diabetes in summer could be challenging, due to high humidity and heat.
To keep yourself protected, proper steps need to be taken.
Staying hydrated is a balancing act, especially in summer. This is required for all. Signs of dehydration may include excessive thirst, fatigue, headache, and rapid heart rate. Why are diabetics prone to dehydration? For diabetic patients, a high blood sugar level leads to excessive urination leading to dehydration. When a person is dehydrated, several diabetic drugs might become less effective. This can result in poor blood glucose management and potentially dangerous consequences.
Tips" Drinking plenty of water, and changing to a high-water content diet could be a savior. Water does not boost blood glucose levels, which is why it is so good to drink. Also it allows more glucose to be flushed out of circulation. Part of staying hydrated includes sugar intake to a minimum.
A sudden spike in blood sugar levels is the worst enemy for diabetic patients. Drinking fresh juice and smoothies could be refreshing in summer. But, it carries less fiber and is high in natural sugars. It rapidly increases blood sugar.
Tips: Strictly avoid sugary foods and replace them with fiber-rich foods. Digestion slows down, reducing blood sugar spikes. You should limit yourself from high-carb foods, and drinks. A healthy diet is a cornerstone for diabetic management. It helps in reducing the associated complications. A healthy diet is balanced with needed carbs, protein, and fats. This reduces blood sugar spikes and decrease the need for medications.
Diabetic complications include damage to nerve and blood vessels. It affects your sweat glands and you can’t stay cool. This could be a major concern in summer.
Tips:Staying in an air-conditioned space, and wearing lightweight, breathable clothes is advisable. Avoid spending outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day.
Tips:High temperatures have been proven in studies to impair insulin sensitivity, making blood sugar regulation more challenging. Maintaining insulin sensitivity and improving diabetes control might be aided by staying cool.
Physical inactivity increases blood sugar levels, which could be a major concern for diabetes. Other complications include - obesity, cardiovascular disease, and poor bone health. It is important to engage in regular physical activity with a diabetologist’s advice.
Tips:Exercise should be a part of daily routine. One should not skip regular exercise if diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to keep blood sugar levels in control. Sufficient physical exercise—at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week—can also help minimize the risk of nerve damage and heart disease. Both of which are common concerns among diabetics. Another best alternative is taking a 30-minute walk in the morning or late evening to stay active.
As discussed earlier, diabetes can cause nerve damage, and poor blood circulation in feet. Walking on hot sand can lead to burns, blisters, and other foot problems that might go untreated. It develops into serious infections in diabetics. Furthermore, diabetic patients are more susceptible to infections and heal from injuries at a slower rate due to poor blood sugar management.
Tips:While walking on hot surfaces, people with diabetes should take extra measures, such as wearing protective footwear, monitoring for injuries, and getting medical assistance.
Heat can damage your test strips, insulin, and other medications. They are sensitive to heat and require extra care. Leaving insulin in the car’s glove compartment during summer could damage or ruin it completely. Storing your insulin out of direct sunlight is advisable.
Diabetes is a global pandemic, leading to serious health consequences. It can include stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, eyesight disorders, and amputations. An unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity can increase complications. Diabetic patients need to work closely with their healthcare provider for better management. Consult the best diabetologist in Coimbatore for personalized care treatment.