As a result, the quality of life decreases, as well as damage to many organs from the heart to the kidneys, from the brain to the eyes. In fact, it is possible for diabetics to have a healthy summer period by keeping their blood sugar under control with some adjustments to their living habits. Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Meltem Batmacı stated that you should never miss your medications and routine checks due to the hot weather, sun and holiday. Not being dehydrated in hot weather, being protected from the harmful rays of the sun, paying attention to your medication regimen and not skipping meals are the 4 most important rules that you should pay attention to in your life habits this season.” says.
INCREASE WATER CONSUMPTION
Water loss is of vital importance in diabetic patients. Because the blood sugar in the body rises with the loss of water, and as a result, the control of the disease becomes difficult. In addition, due to insufficient water, the rate of ketones and particles in the body increases through some biochemical pathways and can cause various diabetes coma, which is more difficult to treat and requires hospitalization. Be sure to increase your daily water consumption, as more water is lost from the body with the warming of the weather in summer. Never neglect to drink 2-2.5 liters of water a day.
DO NOT SKIP MEALS
Due to the pandemic and cold days, we could not go out to the open air much and we were very bored. The days are getting longer and with the arrival of summer, our concept of time has also changed. For this reason, meal intervals may involuntarily be prolonged. “However, prolonged fasting is not a desirable condition for diabetics. Disruption of order causes fluctuations in blood sugar and difficulty in disease control. Meltem Batmacı says that you must continue with 3 main meals and 2 or 3 snacks, regardless of summer or winter.
DO NOT GO INTO THE SUN BETWEEN THESE HOURS
While the sun is shining in all its glory, it invites us to the sea and nature. But beware! Take care not to go out into the sun directly between 11:00 and 16:00, when the sun’s rays are the steepest on the earth. Because, exposure to the sun during scorching hours can lead to increased fluid loss in the body and as a result, many serious problems such as irregular blood sugar, changes in blood pressure values, changes in heart rhythm, heart attack, vascular problems and cerebral hemorrhage. It also increases the risk of skin cancer. If you have to go out, be sure to protect your head with a hat and stay in the shade whenever possible.
DON’T STOP YOUR MEDICATIONS
In order to keep your blood sugar in balance, you need to get into the habit of not interrupting your medication hours. Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Meltem Batmacı stated that you should definitely continue your main meals and snacks while using the drug, adding, “Due to not being taken on time, the effect of the drug may decrease and there may be excessive increases in blood sugar, or skipping meals after the drug may lead to excessive decreases.” says.
TRACK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR
Our routines change as the seasons change and the days get longer. “For people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, it is necessary to maintain routines or create routines specific to that period,” Dr. Meltem Batmacı said, “It is extremely important for diabetics to measure glucose at home with a glucometer. This routine should never be interrupted in the summer, either. Self-following; increases drug use and adherence to diet. In this way, blood sugar is more balanced.”
MAKE EXERCISE YOUR ROUTINE, BUT…
Exercising should be a routine of your life. Because regular exercises contribute to the balancing of blood sugar and help you lose weight. Dr. Pointing out that drugs that regulate blood sugar are recommended according to the diet and exercise routine of the patient, Meltem Batmacı said, “If there is a significant change in sports habits, the drug may be more or less.
Therefore, while continuing your exercises, make sure to measure your blood sugar regularly and inform your doctor when you notice a change in the values. While exercising, you should be careful not to be dehydrated and not to skip meals. In addition, it is very important to make a habit of doing exercises not during the hottest hours of the sun, but in the early morning or evening coolness,” he says.
ATTENTION TO JUICE, TEA AND COFFEE
Do not make the mistake of turning to carbonated drinks and fruit juices to cool off and meet your fluid needs in hot weather. Because sugar-containing drinks can quickly raise blood sugar. In addition, it is very important to avoid such drinks as tea and coffee containing caffeine cause more fluid loss from the body.
DO NOT EXCESS SUMMER FRUITS
Another point you should pay attention to in the summer months should be fruit consumption. Although summer fruits such as watermelon, melon, fig and grape are very tasty, they contain a significant amount of sugar and can increase blood sugar when consumed uncontrolled. Therefore, it is very important to consume summer fruits in the right portions to keep your blood sugar balanced.
DO NOT WALK BARE FEET ON THE BEACH
One of the complications of diabetes is nervous effects. In these neural complications, problems such as sensation defects, excessive increase or decrease in the pain threshold, burning-electricity in the feet may develop. Saying that diabetics should pay special attention to foot health, as they may have sensory defects, Dr. Meltem Batmacı explains the reasons for this as follows: “For example, an individual walking on hot sand perceives that temperature and immediately goes to protect his feet.
However, the diabetic individual may not perceive that temperature and continue walking, and as a result, serious burns may develop. In addition, he may not notice any object stinging on his foot, and it may progress well in the body or cause serious wounds or serious infections after a few days. Therefore, do not walk barefoot on the beach or in the sea, prefer special orthopedic shoes, always keep your feet clean and moist, and make a habit of checking them every evening.”
WEAR COOL CLOTHING
It is also very important that you choose light-colored and sweat-proof clothes that will not increase your body temperature and keep you cool. Also, take care to protect your head with a hat and sunglasses when going out.