Monsoon is beautiful and is loved by most of us. It has the
potential to turn a dull day into cheerfulness and brings joy and happiness on
faces. After the long summers’ everyone waits for rain which apart from being
beautiful respites us from the scorching heat, it fills up our water reservoirs
for drinking throughout the year and also gives a boost to the economy. India
being largely an agrarian economy is very much dependent on monsoon to arrive
so that farmers can start new crop cultivation of rice, sugarcanes and
oilseeds.
This year monsoon in India is playing a spoilsport possibly
(as told by scientists) due to El Nino Phenomenon which triggers poor monsoon. The
delay and scarce rains this year has triggered inflation to surge lowering the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP). India is the second largest producer of rice and
wheat in the world; hence any delay in monsoon has large ripple effects.
However, as per recent releases by government the monsoon deficit has come down
to 31-32 percent with rains picking up in end of July across the country giving
a much needed relief to farmers, the government categorically asserted that,
“there is no need to be alarmist”. The recent statements by Jitendra Singh,
Minister of State for Earth Science shows some positivity to it and shows the
optimism for the entire nation because while during the month of June and first
two weeks of July, the monsoon was deficient by 43 percent, in the week
beginning July 13, 2014, the deficiency is reduced to 32 percent, thus,
recording an improvement of 11 percent in the monsoon level.
Being an optimist, I’m expecting more of rains sooner….
Now, let me discuss with
you, how monsoon affects a diabetic:
Monsoon Problem in Diabetes: Rain Walking!
Most
of the people stop going out for a walk and same is with diabetic people or
people who are trying to be fit in order to avoid Type 2 diabetes. Lack of
exercise or suddenly stopping the exercise routine will send your sugar levels
for a toss.
Solution:
Instead
of completely stopping, you can try following: Choose a time for walking in a
light drizzle and enjoy the monsoon walk by wearing a proper headgear and
raincoat with a comfortable shoes/ floaters.
If the rain is heavy, you can try walking on staircase of your apartment
and do a few rounds at your own slow pace. This will give you the comfort of
your home without getting wet and affecting your exercise routine. Ofcourse
those of you who have their own treadmill at home can continue the exercises
without having to step out.
Monsoon Problem in Diabetes: Pakora’s & Bhajiya’s
Well,
this one is really a mouthwatering problem to be dealt with. In India, rains
are synonymous with Pakora &
Bhajiya’s, what when you have diabetes?
Solution:
Monsoon Problem in Diabetes: Fungal
Infection/ Foot Care
Monsoon
comes with a rise in different kinds of fungal/ foot infections. For a diabetic
the most common reason for hospitalization is foot problem
Solution:
Yes,
most people suffering from diabetes visit the hospital when foot problem starts
affecting their quality of life. It is very clear that the footwear you choose
plays a very important role in fighting this disease. Utmost foot care is
required in diabetes and a person should be more attentive towards it in
monsoon. You are required to wash and clean the feet and other body parts
exposed to continuous moisture or after coming wet from rain. To keep them dry
use simple talcum powder or medicated powders as suggested by a medical
practitioner/ over the counter prescriptions. Make sure not to use wet shoes or
other footwear unless they are sun dried. Change your socks every day to avoid
bacterial growth which is very common in monsoon. Use open toed shoes in rain.
Take care of your open wounds. We had written a detailed blog on foot care in diabetes in March. You can try reading it again and refresh
your memory.
Monsoon Problem in Diabetes: Respiratory
Problems
Diabetes lowers your
immune system. Many a time people have complained of breathing issues in humid
environment, since around monsoon the humidity also increase, people with
diabetes should be cautious.
Solution:
Monsoon
prompts respiratory tract infections and asthma. The best solution is to keep
your inhalers, sprays and medications as suggested by your doctor all the time
when you go out. You may also find it helpful to keep your friends and
colleagues aware of your breathing problems, so that in case of a sudden or
severe attack they can be of prompt help.
Well, not all things
are problem in rainy season for diabetic people. There’s good news for
diabetics in monsoon: Jamun (Java Plum)

Well, now you know how to
enjoy the rain even if you have diabetes. Knowing the risks always helps. Isn’t it? You
can calculate your, your family’s and your child’s risk of diabetes just by
clicking the button below:
Let me know if I can be of
any help. I will really appreciate to get your suggestions or queries.
Sincerely,
Dr. MS Singhal
Initiative of Singhal
Diabetic Clinic, Haridwar