While summers can be fun for some and exhausting for others, they can be extremely excruciating and challenging for diabetics. Various researches suggest that humidity and high temperatures during summers can be difficult for diabetics to handle and may cause various health concerns as diabetics are usually very sensitive to heat. So, let us know about the top 7 ways to manage diabetes in the summer season.
Why Diabetics are at Greater Risk during Summers?
As mentioned above, diabetics can react more sensitively to summers and heat in comparison to non-diabetics. There are a number of factors that lead to complications for diabetic patients during summers and these include:
- Sweat glands may become ineffective due to high blood sugar levels and consequently reduce the ability of the body to rapidly cool down during summers post sweating.
- Lack of exercise during extremely hot summer days can also accelerate complications for diabetics.
- During extreme summers, the body tends to sweat excessively which leads to dehydration, this causes a rise in blood sugar levels that further leads to frequent urination which again contributes to dehydration. For diabetics, this cycle can be extremely exhausting and may cause complications.
- Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing heat exhaustion which can make it difficult for them to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
It is extremely crucial to monitor the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients during intense summer to observe if the body is reacting to heat which will be denoted by the fluctuating BSL along with a set of possible signs and symptoms that will confirm the same.
Read – 7 Best Summer Foods to Beat the Heat and Stay Healthy
Symptoms to Identify the Effects of Heat on Diabetics
- Fatigue
- Increased thirst
- Headache
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Deep colored urine
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure levels
Tips to Manage Diabetes in Summer Season
Here are the top 7 tips to manage diabetes in the summer season:-
1) Keep Yourself Hydrated:
Dehydration can cause severe complications during the summer months, especially in diabetes. It is extremely important to regulate your water intake and be extra careful while traveling outdoors by carrying fluids and energy-giving liquids to keep your hydration levels under check. But be sure to avoid sweetened beverages to also avoid that extra sugar intake.
2) Abstain from Drinking Alcohol:
Alcohol contains diuretic properties that can lead to frequent urination. This leads to the flushing out fluids rapidly causing dehydration which can spike up blood sugar levels. So, avoid alcohol to manage diabetes.
3) Prefer Comfortable Clothing:
Dress to wear comfortable and light clothing that does not trap sweat and allows the air to pass through and keep your body cool. Prefer wearing light-colored, cotton, and breathable clothes to allow maximum air passage and comfort. Avoid fabrics that are not breathable like nylon, polyester, or dark and heavy clothes that will absorb heat and sunlight and cause more sweating.
Do not forget to carry your sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats when stepping outdoors at the noon or under the sun.
4) Constantly Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels:
it is vital to keep a constant check on your blood sugar levels before and after certain activities such as exercising, walking, cycling, climbing stairs, or dancing. Irrespective of the weather, blood sugar levels might fluctuate post such physical activities, which is why it is important to keep them under observation.
5) Take Extra Care of Your Medical Supplies:
Be extra careful with your medical supplies like medications, insulin, oral medicines, insulin pump, sugar monitor, etc. are all susceptible to heat. Therefore, make sure you store them in a cool and dry place whether at home or especially while traveling. Protect your medications and diabetes equipment from direct sunlight and high temperatures essentially at all times during the summers.
6) Stay Indoors During the Noons:
Avoid stepping out during hot and humid days especially afternoons as those are peak hot hours of the summer days. If at all you need to go outdoors during the sunny noons, be extra careful and prefer being under the shade at all times. Carry your water bottles with you to stay hydrated and do not miss out on applying your sunscreen and carrying your sunglasses and summer hats.
7) Do Not Miss Out On Exercising:
Who says you got to miss working out during summers? Waking up early during the summer mornings and taking a morning walk in the presence of fresh air and environment can heal your mind and calm your body. Yoga and meditation have also shown effective results in managing diabetes.
A few yoga asanas that can help you control your diabetes are:
- Chakrasana or The Wheel Pose
- Balasana or The Child Pose
- Dhanurasana or The Bow Pose
- Shavasana or The Corpse Pose
- Tadasana or The Mountain Pose
- Viparita Karni Asana or Legs Up the Wall
- Bhujangasana or The Upward Facing Dog Pose
Summers can sure be tiring and intimidating especially for diabetics but following a few precautions and taking extra care can help you sail through this hot and humid season. Make sure you keep your body cool and hydrated at all times to avoid the onset of any complications. To know more about natural methods to manage diabetes, Ayurvedic treatment, and herbal medications, you can book your appointments with our Ayurvedic healthcare providers at Life Aveda.
