Rising temperatures and extreme heat, fueled by climate change, are worsening the health of millions, particularly those with diabetes. A case in point is 63-year-old Asha Sonawane from Bhadole village, Maharashtra, India. Last year, while heading to a routine doctor’s appointment, Sonawane collapsed as temperatures soared above 40°C (104°F). Despite initial relief from lime water and energy drinks provided by her daughter, Sonawane’s condition worsened, with dehydration exacerbating her diabetes symptoms.
A chronic condition affecting 830 million people globally, diabetes is a growing concern, especially in nations like India, where 101 million people are affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a staggering 315% increase in diabetes cases since 1990, with low- and middle-income countries seeing the sharpest rise. While genetics and lifestyle factors are often cited, research increasingly links the rise in diabetes cases to the effects of climate change, particularly extreme heat.
In 2017, a study indicated that for every 1°C increase in temperature, over 100,000 new diabetes cases could occur annually in the U.S. alone. In 2021, more than 2 million people worldwide died from diabetes-related kidney diseases, and the situation is expected to worsen. A 2022 study highlighted the alarming potential for heat-related diabetes mortality to increase eightfold by the 2090s in high-emission scenarios, particularly in China.
As the Earth’s average temperature surpassed the 1.5°C threshold above preindustrial levels in 2024, the effects of global warming are already being felt. The World Meteorological Organization confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with 78% of the global population experiencing extreme heat for at least 31 days.
The Impact of Heat on Diabetes Management
For those with diabetes, extreme temperatures present unique challenges. Heat stress can impair the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of dangerous fluctuations. This, in turn, raises the chances of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), both of which can have serious long-term consequences. As noted by Charles Leonard, an epidemiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, extreme heat can compromise the body’s natural cooling mechanisms, making it difficult for people to manage heat exhaustion. Additionally, certain medications can exacerbate these problems by further impairing sweating.
A U.S. study conducted in 2022 found that extreme temperatures—both high and low—can increase the likelihood of life-threatening conditions in individuals with type 2 diabetes, such as hypoglycemia and heart arrhythmias. In regions like Kuwait, studies show a correlation between high heat days and an uptick in diabetes-related hospitalizations.
Increased Vulnerability and the Need for Action
For individuals like Sonawane, the effects of climate change are stark. Despite managing her diabetes for nearly three decades, she now struggles with dizziness and weakness, symptoms exacerbated by the scorching heat. Many others with diabetes, such as 58-year-old Gangabai Bodake, face similar challenges. After retiring from fieldwork due to heat-related health issues, Bodake has resorted to makeshift remedies, such as soaking her legs in lukewarm water and taking painkillers to alleviate the discomfort. Yet, these measures offer limited relief, and her diabetes levels remain dangerously high.
As climate change continues to affect daily life, many people with diabetes are unaware of the heightened risks posed by extreme heat. This lack of awareness can lead to severe health complications. Experts suggest that individuals with diabetes consult their healthcare providers to develop strategies for managing their condition in extreme heat. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers general advice, including staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor exertion during the hottest parts of the day, and safeguarding medications from temperature extremes.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening Healthcare Systems and Raising Awareness
In addition to individual preparedness, there is a pressing need to bolster healthcare infrastructure to withstand the increasing health challenges posed by climate change. Experts emphasize the importance of establishing early warning systems and promoting telemedicine services during extreme events. In vulnerable regions, accessible healthcare and timely interventions are crucial for managing the compounded risks of heat and chronic conditions like diabetes.
As global temperatures continue to rise, the intersection of climate change and chronic health conditions like diabetes presents a growing public health crisis. Immediate action is required to mitigate these risks and protect those most vulnerable.
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