Diabetic Patients Should Avoid Air Pollution
Over time, the environment is continuously changing, affecting our lives. It is crucial to stay aware of these changes and find appropriate solutions in time. Currently, pollution is a significant problem for the country. Although most countries worldwide suffer from various types of pollution (air, noise, water, etc.), a large portion of the global population is struggling with severe health issues because of it. According to a United Nations report, air pollution inside and outside the home causes about 7 million premature deaths every year. In our country, air pollution has become a severe problem. Due to the drop in temperature, a blanket of smog has covered the sky. Smog occurs when fine particulate matter stays in the atmosphere. For diabetic patients, polluted air is more hazardous than for others with infectious diseases. Symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, eye irritation, watery eyes, and persistent dry cough are due to a drop in temperature, pollution, and allergens in the air. Therefore, it is necessary to take preventive measures against these issues.
Air Pollution and Diabetes
Commonly, diabetes is believed to be caused by genetic history, poor diet, inactive lifestyle, or excessive weight. However, pollution can also be a contributing factor. It can increase the risks for those already suffering from diabetes. The reason is the presence of microscopic particles (PM 2.5) in the environment, which can harm essential organs like the pancreas, lungs, and eyes, thus worsening the condition.
Practice Yoga and Exercise Within Limits-
During polluted weather, physical activities often come to a halt, which isn't good for diabetic patients. Instead of going outside, they can engage in indoor activities like yoga, or gradually climbing up and down the stairs. This helps in keeping blood glucose levels under control.
Aggravated Problems-
Polluted weather can affect diabetic patients in several ways. While cough, cold, or shortness of breath are common issues for most people during this time, diabetic patients might experience these problems with 60% more severity than others.
Need for a Pollution-Free Environment
Along with a nutritious diet and a regulated lifestyle, a pollution-free environment is crucial for good health. In today’s polluted world, one should be vigilant and take all necessary precautions to lead a healthy life.
Polluted Air Worsens Infections
Particulate Matter (PM) is a mixture of solid particles that can be 25 to 100 times smaller than a human hair. These particles easily enter the lungs, causing several severe health problems. They increase oxidative stress and inflammation, affecting insulin production, which worsens the condition for diabetic patients.
Essential Precautions
Diabetic patients should regularly check and control their blood sugar levels. Wearing masks is mandatory. They should also get the flu vaccine once a year.
Avoid going outside during extreme cold or hot weather and stay away from crowded places.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Diabetic patients should avoid oily and heavy foods like carrot pudding or laddoos made from moong dal. If they wish to consume such items, they should limit them to once or twice a week and only when blood glucose levels are stable. Strong immunity is essential to avoid infections, so consuming seasonal fruits (except banana, mango, and sapodilla) is recommended.
Conclusion-
Air pollution poses a significant threat to everyone, but it is particularly hazardous for diabetic patients, as it can worsen their condition and lead to severe health complications. Microscopic pollutants not only impact vital organs but also interfere with insulin production, making diabetes management more challenging. Therefore, it is crucial for diabetic individuals to take preventive measures such as monitoring blood sugar levels, maintaining a balanced diet, staying indoors during high pollution periods, and practicing safe indoor exercises. Additionally, creating a pollution-free environment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential steps toward safeguarding health and ensuring a better quality of life for diabetic patients.
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