Diabetes Care during Monsoon
Posted on July 29, 2016 with 0 comments
When it starts pouring, none of us can resist the temptation to savor piping hot Pakodas, Vada pav, Dabeli and hot masala tea! However, for people who are living with diabetes, the monsoon is the season, in which they’ve to take utmost care – Read on these special tips compiled by Ms. Princy Soni, Diabetes Educator at Advanced Diabetes Centre.
Exercising – No excuses
The weather is too good & this makes it even more difficult to get out of the cozy bed and go out for the regular morning walk, jog or gym routine! However, get yourself a new rainwear, all-weather footwear, & walk ahead carefully in that drizzle with your brand new umbrella. Do not stop your exercise routine in monsoon. Every day minimum 30 minutes of exercise is very important to keep your blood sugar under control. Lack of exercise will obviously send blood sugar for a toss.
Infection control
- Respiratory tract infections, asthma, allergies are quite common during monsoon. Consult your diabetes specialist. In fact, all people living with diabetes and especially those having a history of asthma must properly take their medications, sprays, and inhalers regularly.
- Monsoon often predisposes the persons to fungal infections, bacterial infections of foot and injuries to the extremities. People living with diabetes should take extra precautions.
- A foot infection if not timely controlled, can lead to ulcer and in severe cases, even triggers amputation. Wound care is this extremely important during monsoon. In people living with diabetes, even a minor wound takes a long time to heal. A boil, corn or a cut may look small from outside, but if it gets infected, in people with diabetes, it can lead to serious complications. People living with diabetes who have neuropathy cannot feel the pain in their extremities; the injury may thus remain unnoticed. The infection may spread beneath the skin, causing a deep abscess, which if untreated, can cause partial or total limb amputation.
- Advanced Diabetes Centre offers consultation with not just diabetes specialists, but also with foot care surgeon who can help in preventing further complications.
Water-borne diseases & dehydration
Water-borne diseases are quite common during monsoon. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea associated with water-borne diseases lead to loss of appetite and even fluid loss from the body. This leads to dehydration and low caloric intake. In this situation, if the dose of ongoing diabetes medications if continued can lead to hypoglycemia. Adequate fluid intake is required to prevent dehydration. If the person is unable to eat, he/she must take their diabetes medicines as they would take it while they’re ‘sick’.
Special care for the elderly diabetics
Special care for the elderly diabetics is warranted especially during monsoon. Due to the slippery floor, monsoon falls are very common amongst senior citizens. Hypoglycemia is a common adverse effect associated with anti-diabetes medications. Certain medications also may trigger low blood pressure in elderly patients. Caregivers to such elderly diabetics should keep an eye on the low blood sugar levels, low blood pressure etc. to avoid untoward incidences.
Making healthy food choices
Last, but certainly not the least, keeping away from the temptation of eating pakodas, vada pav, and such oily food is extremely important. During the monsoon season, it is advised to avoid consumption of non-vegetarian food items, as they’re heavy to digest. Frequent consumption of oily food can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Choice of a proper diet can very well prevent it. During monsoon, green leafy vegetables, fruits are available in plenty. Hot vegetable soup instead of deep-fried pakodas can be a healthy choice for people living with diabetes especially during monsoon.
With a little bit of extra care and precaution, people living with diabetes can also enjoy the monsoon as much as a non-diabetic can. So what are you waiting for – Take out that colorful umbrella, wear your gumboots, and get ready to enjoy the monsoon!
If you want to know more regarding special precautions to be taken during monsoon, call on 0261 2600100 or give a missed call on 7227 000 100 to connect with experts at Advanced Diabetes Centre.
Advanced Diabetes Centre offers a complete Organized Diabetes Care under one roof. Advanced Diabetes Centre has an entire team of specialized diabetes consultants, including expert clinicians from other specialties such as Dermatology, Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology, and Surgery etc. Qualified and trained nutrition experts, physiotherapists, diabetes educators guide the patients throughout and empower them to take control of their diabetes. For more information give a missed call to 7227000100 and for appointments call 0261-2600100.
Advanced Diabetes Centre is committed to improving Organized Diabetes Care.
Tags: allergies, asthma, Dehydration, Diabetes, Diabetes Care, diarrhea, Elderly Care, elderly diabetics, Infection, Monsoon, Nausea, Respiratory infections, vomiting