UAE: 10 tips to manage your child’s diabetes during summer

UAE: 10 tips to manage your child’s diabetes during summer

Intense heat, outdoor activities and changes in routine can impact blood sugar levels, say doctors

Published: Sat 19 Aug 2023, 6:25 PM

Children with diabetes can lead a normal life and enjoy all types of weather by taking a few precautions, an experienced paediatrician said.

Dr Sherif El-Refee, clinical lead of paediatric services and consultant paediatrician in endocrinology and diabetes, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Abu Dhabi, noted that a child with diabetes will need special attention, especially during the summer season.

“It’s a good idea to stick to a checklist to ensure nothing goes amiss during summer months. Intense heat, outdoor activities and changes in routine can impact blood sugar levels,” Dr El-Refee told Khaleej Times, while giving a set of 10 tips for managing diabetes.

Drink plenty of water: High temperatures can lead to dehydration, which can adversely affect blood sugar levels. Get your child into the habit of drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Try to avoid giving your child sugary or caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to rapid fluctuations in blood glucose levels.

Avoid sunburn: Protect your child from heat-related complications such as heat stroke and exhaustion. Schedule shaded outdoor activities during cooler parts