Golden Tips for Diabetes Patients During Summer Months

Turkchem 18 Jun 2019 62 2 dk okuma

TURKCHEM

Memorial Diyarbakır Hospital Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology Prof. Dr. Şehmus Özmen shared recommendations for diabetic patients to have a healthy summer.

1- Do not go outside during midday hours unless it is urgent

Burns can occur on the body due to harmful sun rays. Due to increasingly rising temperatures during summer months, diabetic patients are recommended to go outside during early morning and evening hours rather than midday when sun rays are direct, unless absolutely necessary. Patients who spend midday hours outdoors should use an umbrella or prefer shaded areas.

2- Pay attention to diet and sleep routine

Especially for diabetic patients living in excessively hot regions, being in air-conditioned environments and maintaining proper diet and sleep routines is very important. Otherwise, hot weather can negatively affect blood sugar, potentially reaching life-threatening levels.

3- Do not neglect water consumption

Direct sun exposure is undesirable for diabetic patients. Because exposure to sunlight, along with perspiration, can lead to loss of fluids and electrolytes. This can cause blood sugar to rise and blood pressure to fall. For this reason, diabetic patients are recommended to consume large amounts of fluids during summer.

4- Limit consumption of summer fruits

Limited consumption of summer fruits with high glycemic index such as watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, peaches, and cherries is very important. Because excessive consumption of such fruits by diabetic patients causes hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar.

5- Do not skip snacks

It is very important for diabetic patients who need to control their daily meals during the hot summer months not to skip meals. Breakfast should be properly scheduled and lunch should be eaten on time. Because skipping meals and irregular eating cause hyperglycemia and lead to imbalance in blood sugar levels. It is recommended to stay away from fatty foods such as fried foods and red meat, and to pay attention to consuming plenty of fresh vegetables.

6- Do not walk barefoot on soil or beaches

Because diabetic patients have slow wound healing rates, it is very important that their feet are not injured. Cracks and cuts on the feet can lead to infection in the body. Since nerves in the feet are affected in diabetic patients, the heat of sand may not be felt. This situation can lead to foot wounds. It is recommended that diabetics do not walk barefoot on beaches and soil areas during summer, and do not remove their special sandals when entering the sea.