Rising global temperatures fueled by climate change may exacerbate health risks for individuals with diabetes, experts warn, with extreme heat potentially triggering complications and hospitalizations.
Barrak Alahmad, an instructor in the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, highlighted these concerns in a February 4 article published by Yale Climate Connections. The prevalence of diabetes has surged in recent decades, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, with the World Health Organization estimating that approximately 830 million people worldwide live with the condition.
Recent research underscores the vulnerability of diabetes patients during extreme heat waves. A study led by Alahmad and his colleagues analyzed over 11,000 cases of unplanned diabetes-related hospitalizations in Kuwait between 2017 and 2019. Given the region’s harsh summer temperatures and frequent dust storms, the study found that extreme heat contributed to 282 additional hospital admissions, with airborne dust further exacerbating health complications.
“High temperatures increase heat stress, which disrupts glucose control and heightens the risk of complications such as foot ulcers and fluctuations in blood sugar levels,” Alahmad explained. “Additionally, fine dust particles can inflict vascular damage and trigger inflammation, worsening the condition of diabetes patients.”
To mitigate these risks, Alahmad advocates for the implementation of warning systems to alert vulnerable individuals ahead of extreme heat or dust events. He also emphasized the importance of expanding telemedicine services during such periods to ensure continued medical support for diabetes patients.
As climate change intensifies, experts stress the need for proactive measures to protect those most susceptible to its health consequences, including the millions worldwide managing diabetes.
Related topics:
Nutritionist Shares 5 Easy Ways To Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Future Diabetes Treatments Might Involve Eating a Little Poop
How I’m Thriving with Diabetes: A Marathoner’s Journey with a CGM
