Warm Weather can Mean Greater Health Risks for Diabetics

Thu, 14 Jul 2011
Increased temperatures as well as greater exposure to the sun can signify health risks for almost 26 million Americans who have diabetes .

It is vital for diabetics to be cautious. Diabetes lowers the diabetic's ability to sweat which means that hot weather can significantly lower the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels . Hence, it is important for diabetics to take proper precautions to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

It is therefore vital to check your blood sugar regularly; changes in activity as well as heat levels can impact on your body's insulin needs.

You need to wear sunblock as sunburn can place pressure on your body and mean a rise in blood glucose levels .

Keep cool and regularly take breaks from the heat in air-conditioned areas or less hot areas. If you are exercising in the heat, ensure you do so in an air-conditioned place or when the temperatures are cooler.

Keep medicines and medical supplies cool and out of direct sunlight. Excess temperatures and sunlight can damage diabetic medicines like insulin which means that it become less effective.

Remain hydrated as dehydration stresses the body and impacts upon glucose levels. Keep away from caffeine and alcohol in high temperatures as they are both diuretic which can increase your risks of dehydration. Be aware of the common signs of heat exhaustion, like, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, fatigue, weakness, headaches, dizziness, feintin, nausea, and vomiting.

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