The extreme heat of summer can be quite harmful for people with diabetes. For this reason, it is important to take into account the recommendations of specialists to avoid possible complications in the patient’s health.

Summer is one of the most anticipated seasons for thousands of people, who can’t wait to enjoy long days at the beach or do different outdoor activities. However, it is important to consider that exposure to high temperatures can bring with it a series of health complications such as: heat exhaustion, rash, heat stroke, dehydration, among others. It should be noted that there are people with certain types of diseases who are more vulnerable to the thunderous heat of the season, as is the case of those who suffer from diabetes. For this reason, they must be more careful and be aware of any alteration of the organism.

What is diabetes?

Dr. Jesús Rocca, an endocrinologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, told Bienestar of El Comercio that this is a chronic disease in which glucose is unable to penetrate effectively into the muscles, fatty and liver tissue, as a consequence of problems involving the release and action of insulin. Likewise, this condition is characterized by hyperglycemia, inflammatory processes, high levels of lipids in the blood and problems in antioxidant substances, thus causing most of the body’s tissues to be altered because there are lesions in small and large blood vessels.

Types of diabetes

As explained by the specialist, there are different types of diabetes; however, two are the most common. On the one hand, there is type 1 diabetes, which is characterized at a biochemical level by a lack of insulin, which is why the patient is completely dependent on this hormone. Likewise, it is estimated that 90% of the population that suffers from this disease is under 25 years of age and also has a low or normal weight.

On the other hand, there is type 2 diabetes, to which 90% to 95% of cases worldwide are attributed. One of the main peculiarities of these patients is that they can receive insulin as part of their treatment; however, its use is not vital, since in these cases the diabetic does have high levels of said hormone, but it does not work correctly. Another very common feature is that it occurs in individuals over 30 who are overweight, either obese or overweight. At the genetic level, it has been determined that 90% of patients have a family history of diabetes and associated metabolic diseases, while in type 1 there is no history of diabetes, but of autoimmune diseases.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

In the case of this disease, as the endocrinologist mentioned, there may be people who have diabetes, but they are not aware of the condition, since they do not present any discomfort. On the other hand, other patients do show the classic symptoms such as: very thirsty, increased urination, increased appetite, fatigue, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, ulcers that do not heal and weight loss for no apparent reason.

Why are people with diabetes more vulnerable in summer?

In general, summer is a season that requires certain care, especially in patients with diabetes. First of all, as Rocca pointed out, this is because they are more prone to dehydration, since these people have more difficulty counteracting their body heat. In the same way, they can present some complications associated with neuropathies and problems in the dilation of blood vessels. In short, in the case of diabetics, counter regulation mechanisms are slower and they can easily experience a greater sensation of heat, therefore, immediate dehydration and a significant increase in glucose.

How to keep diabetes under control in summer?

As mentioned above, the patient can easily become dehydrated and this can raise blood sugar, so it is important to take care of the sun and extreme heat. The ideal is to stay in the shade, wear cool and light clothing, and in the event of carrying out any type of outdoor activity, the range from 10 am to 4 pm should be avoided. For this same reason, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids; Above all, it is key in diabetics over 60 or 70 years of age, since the thirst center of the brain is sometimes affected and the person may not feel the need to drink water at any time.

Likewise, people should avoid exposing their medications and insulin to high temperatures, since there may be an alteration in the composition of the pills or in the stability of the hormone, which needs to be refrigerated.

In addition, if the patient with diabetes goes to the beach, it is necessary for them to wear sandals, especially if they have been sick for more than 10 years, since it is likely that they have a picture of diabetic neuropathy; that is to say, a poor pain sensitivity so that he cannot perceive the temperature adequately. Usually, you can burn the bottom of your feet and develop an infection, which can lead to what is known as a diabetic foot.

Another important care is frequent glucose measurement, especially after physical activity. Finally, the specialist stressed the importance of not neglecting treatment and going to routine check-ups. In the same way, he once again stressed the issue of hydration, since during the summer with sweating, salts and other minerals are usually lost. Therefore, it is advisable to consume fruits that contain enough electrolytes in a varied way.

Dr. Jesús Rocca
Endocrinologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma

Source: elcomercio.pe