AUSTIN (KXAN) — Summer’s heat can affect those living with diabetes. This is especially true for children who are diabetic.
Dr. Anila Bindal is an Endocrinologist. She is also the Medical Director for Abbott’s Diabetes Care Line of Business. She spoke with Rich Segal about how the searing summer heat affects youngsters who have diabetes.
Dehydration is one of a few adverse effects that summer heat brings to not only children with diabetes but all of us. Heat stroke is also something that those providing care need to be familiar with, and to know what the signs are when a child is suffering from heat stroke.
The heat itself can cause glucose levels to both rise and fall. This necessitates the need to monitor the glucose levels more frequently.
Dr. Bindal cites three “best practices” she recommends for parents and caregivers as a guideline. For starters, she says have a care management plan that includes, among a few items, how to use a glucose monitor.
A second best practice is to be aware of the warning signs.
Dr. Bindal also explains the importance for parents to communicate with caregivers. It’s important that the caregivers understand the need to follow the guidelines that are needed to completely take care of the children when the need arises.