7 Tips for Diabetics to stay active, healthy and safe during Summer
7 tips for diabetics to stay active, healthy and safe during summer
Summer brings increased health risks for people with diabetes:
The beach, the pool and the park are popular places to cool down and stay in shape when the temperature rises, but people with diabetes heading outdoors may not realize they are at greater risk for serious, heat-related illness," says Dr. Deneen Vojta, executive vice president and chief clinical officer of the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance (DPCA). "Diabetes actually impairs a person's ability to sweat, which means that hot, humid weather can dangerously reduce the body's regulation of blood sugar levels. That's why it is critical that people with this disease take proper precautions to avoid conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Vojta offers seven simple tips that may help people with this disease to stay active, healthy and safe when temperatures are high:
1. Check your blood sugar levels often. Changes in activity and heat levels can affect your body's insulin needs.
2. Wear sunblock. Sunburn can tax your body and trigger increased blood glucose levels.
3. Stay cool. Take regular breaks from the heat in air-conditioned areas or designated cooling centers, if possible. Make sure to exercise in an air-conditioned place or exercise during early morning and evening hours when temperatures are cooler.
4. Keep medication and supplies cool and away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures and sunlight can have a damaging impact on diabetes medication such as insulin, causing the drug to break down or become less effective.
5. Stay hydrated. Dehydration stresses the body and affects glucose levels.
6. Avoid caffeine and alcohol in high temperatures. Both alcohol and caffeine have diuretic effects that can increase risks of dehydration.
7. Be alert for common signs of heat exhaustion. Signs of serious health-related illnesses can include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and fainting.
Vojta advises that people with diabetes should be on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and seek medical attention right away if they experience symptoms.
Source:Las Vegas review journal
Posted by:AnonymousPosted:9 month agoNumber Of Replies:2Number Of Views:521
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Re: 7 Tips for Diabetics to stay active, healthy and safe during Summer
And one more thing - take good care of your feet. It is not specific for summer season but to maintain during whole year. Any injury can lead to infection.
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