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Monsoon health tips for diabetics
During the rains, diabetics need to take extra care to prevent illnesses; experts suggest ways to boost their immunity
While rains bring the much needed respite from heat for the city, the change in weather also tends to compromise one’s immune system. While most of us may take steps to avoid the common cold, for diabetic patients, the list of preventive measures tends to be much longer.
In the initial days of monsoon, when the weather is still hot and atmosphere is very humid, a diabetic person may catch respiratory problems, some of which may be severe such as pneumonia. Getting wet in the rain may cause one to itch all over the body. Kidney problems in a diabetic patient will weaken the bones, and this condition, when combined with a fungal infection in the feet, can turn into gangrene. This in turn may make amputation necessary. Dire consequences such as amputation rarely occur but monsoons are tricky generally for diabetics.
Diabetics should avoid getting drenched in the rains. But if they are compelled to head outdoors due to work or other reasons these tips should help: Have home-cooked or freshly cooked food as much as possible. Drink plenty of water. Avoid bottled beverages, and opt for coconut water instead. Stick to warm food and beverages. Soups, ginger tea, etc. are easy to make and help build immunity. Make sure you wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. During monsoons, these are more likely to be infested by worms. If you feel that you will be out for long on a rainy day, carry some snacks because diabetics tends to feel hunger more often than non-diabetics. Carry an extra pair of clothes and footwear. Make sure your rainy footwear is one size bigger than your actual shoe size, which reduces the chances of shoe bites. Change wet socks immediately. At first available chance, dry the feet and legs with soft cloth. If your footwear retains water, take them off as you
wait for them to dry. Check feet, and the spaces in between toes for injuries and infections. Do not use hard plastic footwear used for monsoon in India. If closed shoes are a must for office, try to keep a pair at work and use another pair for commuting.