Extreme heat’s impact on people with diabetes, chronic illnesses
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Dr. Rinku Mehra, Pediatric Endocrinologist, joined DC News Now to talk about how extreme heat can affect people with diabetes and other chronic illnesses.
She said that people with diabetes are at a high risk for dehydration, so being in extreme heat for long periods of time can worsen their ability to cool off leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
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To reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, people with diabetes can take precautions by making sure to drink plenty of water and even electrolytes. Dr. Mehra also recommended that they stay inside, especially during the times that it’s most hot outside, so between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
High blood pressure, asthma and COPD are some other chronic illnesses that can be greatly affected by staying out in extremely high temperatures.
If you notice someone displaying symptoms like dizziness or confusion, this can alert you that a person is overheated and should immediately be taken to a cool place, given adequate hydration, or in serious circumstances, call 911.
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