Diabetes: Tips to survive winter pollution for Diabetic and Asthma patients

From watching the diet to regularly monitor blood glucose, here are a few tips for Diabetic and Asthma patients to survive this weather.

The winter season is here. And no matter, how much we look forward to the good parts of the season, with the pollution levels rising in the Delhi NCR region post-Diwali, it has become a severe concern for the people. Speaking to HT Lifestyle, Dr Anupam Biswas, Consultant – Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital Noida said, "With the rise in air pollution, there has been an exacerbation of lung diseases such as Asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with diabetes mellitus and obesity are more prone to such exacerbations and the consequent development of serious lung infections such as pneumonia. A combination of diabetes and asthma can compromise glycemic control contributing to an unfavorable effect in the course of exacerbation of Asthma and duration of hospitalisation leading to an increase in the risk of morbidity and mortality in such patients. Moreover, glucocorticoids which are frequently prescribed for the treatment of lung disorders can further worsen blood glucose control. Hence patients with diabetes should take special care in this weather to avoid serious complications associated with lung diseases."

Diabetes: Tips to survive winter pollution for Diabetic and Asthma patients (Nataliya Vaitkevich)

Adding to the same, Dr Jitendra Kumar, Chairman - Renal Sciences and Transplant Medicine, Accord Superspeciality Hospital, Faridabad said, "There could be several mechanisms for the high incidence of diabetes in air pollution such as increased levels of inflammation inside the body. It is proposed that pollutants when entering the lungs, initiate a series of biochemical changes leading to increased inflammation and thereby leading to a higher incidence of diabetes. Pollution is also associated with damage of blood vessels, (endothelial dysfunction) increased oxidative stress, decrease secretion of insulin, decrease in the sensitivity of insulin and several other metabolic changes which overall lead to the higher incidence of obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes."

The experts further shared a few tips on how to stay safe during this weather:

Avoid going out: Diabetic and asthma patients should cut down the frequency of going out during this time. In case of emergency, N95 masks should be used.

Exercise: Work out 30 mins per day to boost your immunity. It may not be possible to go outside and hence can be planned at their own house.

Monitor blood glucose: It is also recommended to regularly monitor blood glucose at home specially if the patient is on Glucocorticoid therapy and if their blood glucose levels are not in range. In caseof severe or worsening symptoms of Asthma, it is recommended to immediately meet their treating doctor.

Diet: Add natural ingredients to your diet like garlic, flaxseed, and methi, as these act as a healer. staying hydrated throughout the day and adding fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet also helps in boosting immunity.