Summer Heat Risks for Diabetes, Hypertension, and Kidney Disease Patients: Prevention Strategies

[Hinews] SEOUL, South Korea — As relentless heatwaves and tropical nights grip the region, coupled with unpredictable weather shifts, the toll on health is mounting. For those with chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, summer poses an even greater threat. Rising temperatures disrupt body temperature regulation, leading to excessive sweating that depletes bodily fluids rapidly, which can trigger sharp fluctuations in blood pressure and blood sugar or result in dehydration.

Dr. Hae-ri Lee, an endocrinologist at H Plus Yangji Hospital, noted that high summer temperatures significantly impact vascular health. "For every degree Celsius increase in temperature, the heart pumps out more than three additional liters of blood per minute," she said. "This forces the heart to work harder, which can be a substantial burden for patients with chronic illnesses."

During summer, the risk of complications rises sharply for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, demanding heightened vigilance. (Clip Art Korea)

Why Summer Heightens Dangers for Diabetes, Hypertension, and Kidney Disease Patients

Diabetes patients face particular risks from fluid loss, which can concentrate the blood and cause sudden spikes in blood glucose levels, or skipped meals leading to hypoglycemic shock. Hot weather often curbs appetite, making it easier to miss meals and requiring extra caution. Those with autonomic neuropathy as a complication may have impaired temperature regulation, leaving them vulnerable to heatstroke or heat exhaustion.

Hypertension patients may experience repeated vascular contraction and relaxation in the heat, causing blood pressure to swing dramatically. This is especially perilous for older individuals with reduced vascular elasticity, heightening the odds of cerebrovascular events. Thickened blood can also promote thrombus formation, potentially leading to complications like cerebral infarction.

Kidney disease patients, conversely, risk hyponatremia or edema from overhydrating at once, which may cause dizziness, headaches, or vertigo. Low-blood-pressure sufferers are prone to further drops in the sweltering conditions, resulting in fatigue, dizziness, or falls that demand careful monitoring.

Photo: Dr. Hae-ri Lee, endocrinologist at H Plus Yangji Hospital

Summer Lifestyle Rules to Safeguard Health

Prevention stands as the most effective strategy against the heat's hazards. Hydrate frequently before thirst sets in, aiming for about two liters of water daily, sipped slowly in divided doses. Avoid caffeine and alcohol due to their diuretic effects, and reserve isotonic drinks for necessities only, given their high sugar content.

If plain water proves unappealing, infuse it at home with cucumber, mint, or lemon for better hydration support.

Limit outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. When venturing out, opt for wide-brimmed hats, parasols, light-colored breathable clothing, and carry water or isotonic beverages. After returning fatigued from the heat, avoid cold showers, which can constrict blood vessels abruptly and spike blood pressure; lukewarm water is safer.

Photo: The perils of heatwaves for chronic illness patients. (H Plus Yangji Hospital)

Set air conditioners to around 26 degrees Celsius to minimize indoor-outdoor temperature disparities, as sudden cooling can trigger air-conditioning sickness. Exercise moderately, favoring light walks or stretches in the morning or evening, while steering clear of excessive sweating.

Dr. Lee stressed the urgency of symptoms: "Chest pain, sudden dizziness, blurred vision, loss of balance, or severe headaches warrant an immediate emergency room visit." She added, "Patients with chronic conditions are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, so they need even more meticulous management than usual."

Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM press@hinews.co.kr

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