Diabetes and Heat, The Supercharged Global Epidemic
For many, summer brings the joy of sunshine and outdoor activities. But for individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes, rising temperatures and humidity can transform a season of leisure into a period of heightened health risks.
The Alarming Numbers: A Global Crisis
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) paints a stark picture
Currently, 590 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, or 1 in 9 adults. A staggering 4 in 10 individuals with diabetes are unaware they have the condition, putting them at higher risk for serious complications. Projections indicate a significant rise, with 853 million adults expected to be living with diabetes by 2050, a 46% increase. Over 90% of diabetes cases are Type 2, largely driven by socio-economic, demographic, environmental, and genetic factors, including urbanization, an aging population, decreased physical activity, and rising rates of overweight and obesity. In 2024, diabetes was responsible for 3.4 million deaths, roughly one every nine seconds, and global diabetes-related health expenditure surpassed one trillion US dollars for the first time.
Type 1 diabetes is the immune system fighting an infection and attacking and destroying the cells in your pancreas that make insulin, leaving the body deficient in insulin.
Type 2 diabetes results from insufficient insulin being made in the pancreas or a condition of insulin resistance, the body is unable to use the insulin it makes. Glucose in your blood is unable to enter the cells for energy. Several factors impact one's risk for developing type 2 diabetes, including family history of type 2 diabetes, ethnic background, living with obesity, and other lifestyle and environmental factors. You are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are not physically active.
How Heat🌡️ Threatens The Diabetic
Impairs Thermoregulation: Certain diabetes complications can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves (diabetic neuropathy) that control the sweat glands, making it harder for the body to sweat and cool itself effectively. This significantly increases the risk of overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Causes Blood Sugar Fluctuations: High temperatures can cause blood vessels to dilate, speeding up the absorption of insulin, potentially leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Conversely, heat stress can reduce BAT (Brown Adipose Tissue) glucose metabolism activity, causing blood sugar levels to rise and leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). These unpredictable swings make managing blood sugar levels (glycemic control) more challenging, leading to hospitalizations.
Creates A Dangerous Dehydration Loop: High blood sugar levels can lead to increased urination, depleting the body's fluids. Commonly prescribed diabetic medications, like diuretics, also contribute to dehydration. Dehydration, in turn, can raise blood sugar levels, creating a dangerous feedback loop. Hot weather leads to increased sweating and a higher risk of further dehydration, which in turn, can elevate blood glucose levels, creating a vicious cycle where high blood sugar can further increase urination and dehydration. This makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar effectively.
Increases Organ Strain: Kidney issues are common in diabetes (diabetic nephropathy), making proper hydration and electrolyte balance paramount and challenging during extreme heat. Diabetes can compromise vital organs, including the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Heat stress compounds the strain on these systems and increases the risk of a life-threatening condition.
Results in Device Malfunctions: Insulin, test strips, blood glucose monitors, and insulin pumps are all sensitive to heat. Exposure to high temperatures can damage the insulin, cause inaccurate readings, and device malfunctions, compromising diabetes management.
Causes Foot Complications: Neuropathy also reduces sensation in the feet, making individuals less likely to notice burns from hot pavement or sand, or to feel blisters that can quickly turn into serious infections.
Generates Confusing Symptoms: Symptoms of heat exhaustion, like dizziness, fatigue, and nausea, can mimic those of high or low blood sugar, making it difficult for individuals to discern the underlying issue and take appropriate action.
Reduces Physical Activity: In extreme heat, people tend to be less physically active, which is a known risk factor for developing and worsening Type 2 diabetes.
Stresses the Body: Heat stress is a physiological stressor that can impact various counter-regulatory hormones, potentially affecting blood sugar management. Sunburn, for instance, is considered a stressor that can raise blood sugar levels.
Sufferers of diabetes not only have to manage the day-to-day challenges of diabetes but also manage the heightened additional risks of life-threatening emergencies compounded by heat. It becomes imperative to plan, carry, and implement hydration and cooling strategies to minimize the potential threats.
The Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System supports diabetic sufferers by effectively and efficiently boosting the body's cooling system. It achieves this by targeting the body's core heat zones, reducing risks of dehydration, complications of associated illnesses, and adverse outcomes.
Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System is designed to be an all-day portable cold therapy aid that can stabilize the core body temperatures in the event of extreme heat and humidity.
