SUMMER DIABETES | Be aware of the heat if you’re diabetic: you’re at greater risk of dehydration.

Currently, more than 537 million adults are living with diabetes worldwide, and in Spain the prevalence has reached 14.8%, meaning it affects one in seven adults, the second highest rate in Europe, according to the International Diabetes Federation (FID). Worldwide, 90% of people with diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes, which is one of the hardest hit come summer. Thus, heat becomes a big enemy for patients who run. increased risk of dehydrationbecause our body’s ability to process insulin changes.

For this reason, experts are asking for more attention during this time, as explained in EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA by Dr. Maria José Picon, vice president of the Spanish Diabetes Society (SED) and doctor of endocrinology and nutrition at the Virgen de la Hospital. Victoria (Malaga): “I would not talk about risks as such, but about risks. it is necessary to adapt the daily routine well to the arrival of summer and holidays”. Since this indicates that diabetes is a disease that is greatly influenced by people’s lifestyle, which involves the change of the summer season, both in nutrition and physical activity, “when there is a change in nutrition, it does not mean that it is worse, since at this time of year we eat much more fruit, the insulin dose must be adapted. The same thing happens with physical exercise, since the time when we exercise and even the activity itself is different,” says Picon.

He also adds that it is especially important to measure glucose levels more frequently, because “based on this information, it is easier to adjust insulin doses and also insulin intake to try to maintain the necessary balance,” he says. Another inconvenience for the doctor is the inconvenience associated with insulin pumps and monitoring devices Continuous real-time glucose monitoring: “When swimming in pools and beaches and naked clothing, it is easier to damage or lose it. Therefore, you need to be careful with this, because they are necessary, but also expensive,” says the doctor.

What is heatstroke?

Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature suddenly reaches 40 degrees, caused by the ambient temperature. people with diabetes They have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and when they fall victim to a sudden rise in temperature, they experience headaches, extreme thirst, muscle weakness, nausea and/or vomiting, mood changes, increased sweating, and cold, clammy skin. Other consequences may include nosebleeds, loss of consciousness and, in extreme cases, death.

To avoid the effects of heat stroke, these Patients must follow a number of recommendations.. The most important are to avoid exposure to the sun during the hours of highest radiation (12:00-17:00) and to avoid dehydration, mainly with water. When it comes to clothing, it is important to take certain precautions: lightweight, breathable and light-colored clothing that absorbs less heat. As for physical activity, it is necessary, as long as it is carried out during the coolest hours.

If you are already suffering from heatstroke, we should seek shade, preferably in a cool and quiet place where we can wet our clothes and head with damp cloths. It is important to keep your head up and drink small amounts of fresh water to avoid choking. If the situation does not change within a few minutes: call 112.