Effects of Humidity and Heat on Diabetes
In people with diabetes, the nerves and blood vessels in sweat glands are damaged, making it harder to cool the body properly. Therefore, humidity and heat may lead to heat exhaustion. Common symptoms include faintness, reduced blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, profuse sweating, muscle cramping, rapid and weak heart rate, headache, as well as cool or moist skin.
The risk of hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, may also be higher due to the heat. High temperatures cause quicker metabolic rates, which increases the absorption of insulin. As a result, you may experience confusion, anxiousness, tremors, sweating, and heart palpitations. People with diabetes may also have hyperglycemia, which happens when levels of blood sugar are too high. Common signs include urgency to urinate, being extremely thirsty, or fatigue. [5]
