Dr Wajeeha Abuheliaqa, Senior Consultant Diabetes and Endocrine, HGH. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Doha: The heat being experienced across the country these days is tough enough for the average person, but for the estimated 17 percent of the population with diabetes, special precautions may be required.
A major concern in summer for those living diabetes is the risk of blood glucose levels fluctuate drastically. Unless one takes adequate precautions, this can lead to heatstroke and coma, a life-threatening condition requiring medical assistance, said a senior consultant at Hamad General Hospital (HGH).
People with diabetes get dehydrated (lose too much water from their bodies) more quickly. Not drinking enough liquids can raise blood sugar, and high blood sugar can make them urinate more, causing dehydration. It is extremely important for people living with diabetes to increase their fluid intake in summer. Understanding this and the signs of heat exhaustion and taking timely measures can prevent complications,” Dr Wajeeha Abuheliaqa, Senior Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrine, HGH said speaking to media yesterday.
“Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes impair the body’s ability to adjust to the rise in temperature in summer. Certain diabetes complications, such as damage to blood vessels and nerves, can affect your sweat glands so your body can’t cool as effectively. That can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is a medical emergency,” she added.
Dr Abuheliaqa recommends people living diabetes should take between four to six liters of water daily during summer.
Diabetes can cause the body to lose water quickly. In the absence of sufficient hydration, this can raise blood glucose levels, causing frequent urination – all of which can be detrimental. In higher temperatures, body’s insulin requirements can also vary making it even more necessary to test blood glucose more often and adjust the insulin dose accordingly.
“Hot weather and the resultant increase in temperature can adversely impact people living with diabetes. It can affect the body’s ability to produce and use insulin. If the diabetic treatment includes insulin, dehydration reduces blood supply to the skin and, therefore, less absorption of injected insulin dosage. Dehydration can cause blood glucose levels to rise and lead to frequent urination. If adequate precautions are not taken, one can even experience a heat stroke,” said Dr Abuheliaqa.
“If a person with diabetes present with symptoms like feeling dizzy or fainting; sweating excessively; muscle cramps; skin that is cold or clammy; headaches; rapid heartbeat and/or nausea should immediately move to a cooler environment and take fluids. And if the person becomes unconscious it is very important to seek immediate medical assistance,” she added.
