Can high humidity increase blood sugar levels?

Navigating the challenges of managing diabetes becomes even more complex during periods of high humidity. The combination of heat and moisture in the air doesn’t just affect comfort levels—it can also have a significant impact on blood sugar control, according to doctors. For those living with diabetes, understanding how humidity interacts with the body’s glucose regulation is crucial to maintaining overall health and well-being during these weather conditions.

Dr Manisha Arora, Director – Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explained how high humidity can significantly impact blood sugar levels, particularly for individuals with diabetes.

1. Heat Stress and Cortisol Secretion: High humidity often leads to heat stress, which can cause the body to release cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that increases blood sugar levels, potentially leading to hyperglycemia in those with diabetes.
2. Reduced Physical Activity: High humidity can make physical exertion more difficult and uncomfortable, discouraging regular exercise. Since physical activity is vital for regulating blood sugar, less movement can result in elevated glucose levels.
3. Dehydration and Insulin Resistance: While not definitively proven, there is some evidence that dehydration—common in humid weather—may lead to insulin resistance. This condition occurs when the body’s cells don’t respond as effectively to insulin, requiring more insulin to manage blood sugar levels.
4. Medication Efficacy: Humidity can also affect the storage and efficacy of diabetes medications. If medications degrade in humid conditions, they may not control blood sugar as effectively, leading to potential spikes.

Humidity can also affect the storage and efficacy of diabetes medications. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Managing Blood Sugar in Humid Weather

Diabetics should take extra care during periods of high humidity to manage their blood sugar levels effectively:

• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regular monitoring is crucial. Keeping a detailed blood sugar chart and sharing it with your healthcare provider can help in making necessary adjustments to your management plan.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet is essential to keeping blood sugar levels stable, especially during challenging weather conditions.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important to avoid dehydration and maintain blood sugar control. Proper hydration may also prevent complications related to insulin resistance.
• Take Cooling Measures: Spending time in air-conditioned environments can help reduce the effects of heat stress. Although it’s not advisable to spend excessive time in air conditioning, short intervals can help mitigate the impact of high humidity on blood sugar.
• Manage Stress: Practicing stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can lower cortisol levels, which might be elevated due to heat stress in humid conditions.

By following these precautions, individuals with diabetes can better manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risks associated with high humidity.

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