Can Excess heat exposure worsen the health of diabetes patients!

Can Excess heat exposure worsen the health of diabetes patients: Diabetes patients already have a difficult life, but now according to a new study, their problems can increase even more. Research has said that the increasing temperature due to climate change can prove to be harmful to the health of diabetes patients. Around 53.7 crore adults around the world have diabetes.

Impact of heatwave on diabetes patients

A team of endocrinologists and researchers from the University of Oxford, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and Queen Mary University of London argued that climate change is increasing temperatures, which in turn is increasing the incidence of heat waves. It is more important than ever to understand its impact on diabetes patients.

How does it affect?

Research says that hormones play a role in almost all biological functions by controlling processes such as water conservation, sweating, and heat production from cell metabolism in the body. However, the effect of environmental factors on the release and action of hormones is not well understood.

Effect on endocrine health

"Very little is known about how exposure to increased heat due to climate change may impact endocrine health," said lead author Professor Fadil Hannan, from the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health at Oxford, UK.

avoid extreme heat conditions

Professor Hannan said that this research is important for patients living in hot climates. It can also help develop tools for early intervention for endocrine disorders most at risk from extreme heat conditions. The team reviewed studies published since the 1940s, which indicate that exposure to heat affects hormones involved in processes such as stress response, blood sugar control, fertility, and breast milk production.

This review highlights the lack of evidence regarding the effects of chronic heat exposure on the endocrine system, which is particularly relevant to the increasing number of people with endocrine conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders as these individuals may have limited sensitivity to high temperatures.

Researchers found that certain hormonal disorders can disturb the body's ability to regulate temperature, making it harder to keep cool. These patients are at increased risk for heat-related illnesses and hospitalization. This also increases the heat pressure on the health system.