"Be careful with slippers too?"… How diabetic patients can stay healthy this summer

Be careful when wearing slippers.

Diabetic patients must pay close attention to foot health. During the rainy season, when wearing sneakers or dress shoes can cause the feet to get wet, many people opt for sandals or slippers. However, this is very dangerous for diabetics due to the risk of diabetic foot, a common complication of diabetes. Diabetic foot refers to ulcers, infections, and other issues that occur on the feet of diabetic patients. If diabetic foot progresses, even small wounds may not heal well, leading to serious complications such as gangrene, so caution is necessary.

You need to make sure to eat properly.

Because it is rainy and the weather is gloomy, many people tend to lose their appetite during the summer. However, diabetic patients should not rely on simple foods to skip meals just because it is bothersome. Eating cold dishes like bibim guksu or naengguksu topped with pickles or salted seafood, especially in hot weather, is the worst for blood sugar control. These dishes tend to be high in carbohydrates and low in vegetables or proteins, leading to severe nutritional imbalance. Additionally, refined carbohydrates can easily raise blood sugar levels, so they should be avoided as much as possible.

You should also be selective about the fruits you eat.

Fruits contain a lot of fiber, vitamins, minerals, as well as antioxidants and phytochemicals, which have a preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases. However, diabetic patients should be especially cautious and selective when eating fruits. For example, it is recommended to eat firm fruits such as apples, pears, nectarines, and kiwis rather than fruits like white peaches, watermelons, or bananas. These firm flesh fruits have tough cell tissues, which digest and absorb slowly, preventing a rapid increase in blood sugar, making them suitable for diabetic patients.

If you forget and neglect your thirst, it could be a big problem.

Diabetic patients should pay special attention to hydration during the summer. Some may avoid drinking a lot of water, fearing that it will worsen their diabetes symptoms, but this is not correct. Drinking enough water to quench thirst is essential to prevent further increases in blood sugar levels. It is better to drink small amounts frequently rather than large quantities at once. However, it is advisable to avoid sugary drinks, as they can raise blood sugar and cause thirst.

You also need to pay attention to your exercise time.

You should also pay attention to the timing when exercising. Mornings or evenings when the temperature is not too high are ideal. During the hot and humid summer nights, indoor exercise with a maintained appropriate temperature is recommended. As mentioned earlier, to prevent complications such as diabetic foot ulcers, it is important to wear well-ventilated athletic shoes and cotton socks instead of going barefoot during exercise. After exercising, you should wash your feet thoroughly and ensure they are completely dry.