Enjoy summer with healthy lifestyles

Summer started, we will have to put up with scorching, bright days and heat waves. The smoke and dust in the air work to retain heat and to make life harder. As we sweat our way through the next few months The danger of dehydration We sweat a lot in summer in order to maintain our body temperature. By the end of the day, we lose a lot of water in the form of sweat leading to dehydration which leads to higher blood sugars. Extreme heat is a stress on the body, and any stress can release hormones that will raise blood sugar levels. “Long-term dehydration can lead to kidney problems. Test your blood sugar more often. Monitor blood sugar more often in the summer because symptoms related to excess heat or heat stroke, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, light

headedness, and increased sweating, can also be signs of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. If you develop these symptoms, you should check your blood sugars to make sure you’re not hypoglycemic. There is only one way to beat dehydration and that is to drink a lot of fluids. - Carry a bottle of water and keep sipping it frequently instead of drinking a few glasses once in a while. - Fresh fruits will help restore the electrolyte balance whilst keeping the body cool. Do not choose fruit juices. - Packaged juice, fizzy drinks and energy drinks have way too much sugar in them so, they are best avoided. - Lime juice and infused water (Add sliced cucumber/lemon/chia seeds/pineapple or mango or orange or kiwi slices/ tulsi leaves/mint soaked in 2 liters of water for 2 hours), are nice re-hydrating and provide electrolytes and nutrients needed if you have been walking around in the sun for too long. - Remember, severe dehydration can be dangerous. Keep sipping fluids all day long so that you consume more water than you lose. - You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol, as both can be dehydrating. Eating, medication and exercising It is very important to eat right during summer. Avoid food that is very hot, spicy or oily. Also, avoid heavy meals as longer digestive processes slow down the body's cooling system. - Opt for salads, whole fruits and light frequent meals. - Never leave your diabetes supplies in direct sunlight because heat can degrade them. If you’re traveling, pack your insulin in a cooler — as long as it doesn’t come in direct contact with the icepack. - If you follow an exercise regimen, carry out your exercises in a well-ventilated or air-conditioned place and stick to mornings and evenings. Maintain sufficient fluid and electrolyte intake, too. - Try and keep yourself indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is almost overhead and has a high concentration of UV rays. Schedule your outdoor exercise before or after these hours when it’s not so hot.