Diabetics warned about hot Summers

Sat, 26 Jun 2010
Rising temperatures can cause problems for diabetics, especially if it is accompanied by humidity. A survey by the Mayo Clinic in conjunction with the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the US has revealed that people that suffer from diabetes need to be just as aware of the problems of heat as they do about what they eat and drink.

In research on diabetes patients in Phoenix, Arizona, an area known for its extreme high temperatures, it was found that, despite living in such a hot place, people who suffered from the metabolic condition were unaware of how their illness can make them respond differently to high temperatures.

As diabetics do not sweat as effectively as non-sufferers, they are at a higher risk of problems such as heat stroke or exhaustion. Although it may not get as hot in the UK as in Arizona, this in itself is a problem, as diabetics will be less aware of possible problems brought about by Summer weather.

Adrienne Nassar, lead author of the study, said " People with diabetes have an impaired ability to sweat, which predisposes them to heat-related illness, as do uncontrolled high blood sugars."

Another concern is that a lot of diabetics being treated with oral medications might not be aware that their tablets could be less effective if exposed to heat, and it is recommended that people check their medication for an optimum temperature range in case it is necessary to get another prescription.

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