Heat waves have become very common these days. With the increasing temperature, life in summer is wrapped in sweat and uncontrollable heat. Moreover, almost 90% of the Indian subcontinent has faced severe changes due to climate change. Undoubtedly, summer is expected to be cursed with scorching heat and loo. Heat waves should not be treated casually. 

In typical cases, a person hit by sunstroke or heat stroke recovers with glucose and water after some time. But diabetic patients are more prone to sickness in summer. Heat waves and increased temperature directly affects blood sugar lever. High heat results in excessive sweating, and if it is followed by low water intake, a persona will suffer from dehydration, which increases blood sugar levels.

If such heat continues, the body will release hormones like vasopressin and cortisol, enhancing the body's glucose level and causing a spike in sugar levels.

Many Metropolis doctors have stated about heat waves and diabetes, so let's look at their statements before moving ahead.

As per Dr Shibani Ramchandran, Medical Affairs, Metropolis Healthcare, high temperature may impact the body's insulin which causes changes in blood sugar levels if not monitored properly. In many parts of India, humidity is also a problem with heat which further puts diabetes management on the toss.

What is a Heat Wave?

A heat wave is defined as abnormally hot weather or high heat accompanied by high humidity. Heat waves generally last for two to three days. However, with gradual climate change, heat waves have become more frequent during summer. Last year, parts of Europe and America have reported heat waves.

In Asian countries like India, heat waves are reaching new limits causing more and more heat strokes in diabetic people along with others. 

How Do Heat Waves Affect a Person Having Diabetes?

Heat waves are directly connected to imbalanced blood sugar levels. High heat causes more sweating. As a result, you lose excess water from your body. If you don't drink enough water in summer, you may fall sick of dehydration. 

Lack of sufficient water in the body causes dehydration. As a result, your blood becomes thick and the sugar or glucose present in your blood is deposited. Now this excess sugar creates an imbalance in your average blood sugar level.

Furthermore, if you have a low blood sugar level, a sudden increase due to a heat wave may invite further medical complications. Rush to the hospital if you see anyone falling sick during a heat wave. 

Certain diabetic conditions can damage your blood vessels. Hence, your body fails to release excess heat, causing heat stroke. Heat strokes are severe and can be fatal. 

Effects of Heat Wave on a Diabetic Person

High heat with high humidity in the Indian subcontinent in the coastal areas creates more of a menace in summer. If you have diabetes, you may develop any of the following medical conditions:

• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Hypoglycaemia

Symptoms Of a Heat Stroke

Common symptoms from which you can understand that heat is affecting you are:

• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Darker urine

However, you should be careful of the following specific symptoms:

Heat Exhaustion

Though heat exhaustion is not similar to heat strokes, it can lead to heat strokes. Do not neglect the following symptoms:

• Low blood pressure
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Cool skin

Hypoglycaemia

You should immediately consult a doctor if your blood sugar level falls below 70 mg/dl.

Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• Palpitations
• Excessive sweating
• Tremors

Hyperglycaemia

You may have hyperglycemia if your blood sugar level exceeds 130 mg/dl before eating and 180 mg/dl after your meal. Heat waves affect people differently. Take care of yourself and your near ones if you are experiencing:

• Frequent urinating
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Feeling thirsty frequently. 

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

You can consume 15 grams of carbs if your blood sugar level drops suddenly. However, you can take a dose of insulin if your glucose level strikes high. 

Visit your nearest health care centre to initiate treatment immediately. 

Treatment

Your doctor will treat you based on your blood sugar level. 

Preventive Measures 

To prevent yourself from getting affected during heat waves, you should follow specific instructions:

• Simple diet

Avoid rich and oily food during heat waves. Instead, bring a change in your daily food habits. Try eating simple and easy-to-digest foods like porridge, dal and rice. Getting a personalised diet chart from a dietician would be best. Have plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelons, cucumbers, tomatoes, tender coconut etc.

• More liquid intake

Add more liquid food to your daily diet. Drink at least 3 litres of water in summer. Avoid going outside without a bottle of water. Refrain from consuming alcohol or even soda. You can have buttermilk, curd and sugar-free fruit juices.

• Medicines 

Always keep your medicines with you. Talk to your doctors about whether you have to change certain medications during a heat wave. Take your pills or insulin regularly and on time. 

• Reduced exercise

Limit your regular high-intensity exercise during heat waves. High-intensity exercises cause more sweating. Excess water loss is not suitable for your health now. Instead, shift to moderate or light exercise like warm-ups or do it at a cooler time of day.

• Wear loose clothes

Avoid wearing any dark-coloured or tight-fitted clothes during summer. Tight garments will obstruct the heat from releasing from your body. You may feel exhausted. Moreover, light colours deflect heat whereas dark colours absorb heat. 

• Stay in the shade

Try to stay indoors as much as possible. Reduce frequent outdoor work as much as you can. You can do regular chores like grocery shopping in the evening if necessary. 

• Regular checking of blood sugar level

Since diabetes is directly connected with heat waves, check your glucose level regularly during heat waves. 

Conclusion

Heat waves are getting more and more harmful and can affect anyone. If you have diabetes, you should be careful during heat waves. Take preventive measures such as drinking plenty of water, monitoring your blood sugar level regularly, getting involved in regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. Drinking at least 1.5-2 litres of water is always advised to escape the scorching heat.