Doctors Warn Chronic Disease Patients About Summer Fruit Consumption Amidst Heatwave Risks

As summer heat intensifies, the focus often remains on heatstroke and cooling-related illnesses. However, medical professionals are highlighting a less discussed danger: the heightened risk of complications for individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

While cardiovascular diseases are typically associated with winter, the summer months present their own set of challenges. Dehydration, common in hot weather, can lead to concentrated blood and increased stress hormones, both of which can elevate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This risk is compounded by reduced appetite and skipped meals, which can paradoxically increase the danger of hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar.

Doctors emphasize that managing blood sugar during summer requires careful attention. "Dehydration can concentrate blood and trigger stress hormone increases, leading to higher blood sugar," explained Dr. Lee Hye-jin of Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital's endocrinology department. "Conversely, exercising or engaging in outdoor activities after skipping meals can increase the risk of hypoglycemia." This dual threat of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia means diabetic patients need to be particularly vigilant about their fluid intake, diet, and activity levels throughout the summer season.

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Dehydration can concentrate blood and trigger stress hormone increases, leading to higher blood sugar. Conversely, exercising or engaging in outdoor activities after skipping meals can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.