tropical climates

[timbla]

seasonal greetings to all - has anyone here got any experience of living in a tropical climate with diabetes? or perhaps some knowledge about how the heat and humidity might affect BG levels in general?

i am not so concerned with issues regarding access to medical care and the like, as i have been informed that this is not a problem. my question really is to do with living in heat and humidity the whole time. obviously keeping hydrated is going to be as important as ever, but are there any scientific insights into this that anyone knows about?

i have been offered a job in malaysia, and while i am excited at the prospect of living and working abroad, i am clueless as to how such a drastic change in climate might affect my metabolism.

any input here would be appreciated. thank you.

tim

 

[Robster65]

Hi Tim.

Froma T1 perspective, heat will send most people hypo so they have to reduce their insulin dose.

Not sure how that would translate to T2. It may mean your resistance would drop but not sure. There should be advice somewhere on the web about travelling to hot and humid climes, so if google some appropriate words, you might find a few tips.

I hope you're able to take up the position and enjoy some slightly more predictable weather. I would imagine the culture is fascinating too.

Good luck. 🙂

Rob

 

[trophywench]

Awfully wet in Malaysia, when it isn't hot and wet it's just hot.

Just the usual drinking and trying to inject where it's aircon, cos otherwise if your skin is damp, it hurts. And of course you'll use a lot less insulin at first but I think that will wear off, same as it does if you stay anywhere else hot for more than 10 days-ish.

 

[imtrying]

Hi Tim,

What meds are you on?

 

[Copepod]

Malaysia means heat and humidity. How that affects you depends on your own physiology, plus your own behaviour eg acclimatisation - taking it easy in first few days, appropriate clothing, showers etc, selection of time of day for various activities, use of air conditioning / fans etc, design of buildings you use eg rooms with open windows in buildings on stilts are cooler than those at ground level. It will also mean different foods, so worth experimenting with "exotic" foods when you get there - they won't be considered exotic when you get there!

Best to ensure that all your vaccination courses are at least started before you leave UK, and ideally completed. Plus, if you need malaria medication (depends on exact location & season) you'll need to start a week or less before entering malarial area, so get advice at the same time as getting vaccinations.

Having worked in a travel clinic, plus travelled in Malaysia, Thailand and other tropical humid countries in Latin America, I'll conclude by saying it will take a bit of thought, but definitely possible and potentially very enjoyable and satisfying.

 

[timbla]

thanks to all for the input - i'm still on diet and exercise, so don't have any meds to deal with, but i do recall reading somewhere that constant heat can throw one's BG's off kilter. I certainly don't want to kick-start the progressive nature of the D by putting my metabolism under pressure, but yes, the idea of living in the tropics for an extended period would otherwise have been a no-brainer. yes please. bring it on.

the job i have been offered is right up in the north near the thai border pretty much in the middle of the rain forests, and would involve working with local teachers in schools that do NOT have aircon. i have been warned that it is a very sweaty existence. this normally wouldn't bother me, but since diagnosis i am a lot less cavalier about things like that. in fact, i have become annoyingly cautious.

it is at times like this that my D really gets to me. the fact that i cannot just say yes to opportunities like this because i have to consider how a, b or c might affect my readings really knocks my positive mental attitude into touch and brings it all home again. it's quite upsetting.

the malaria thing - i had jabs for that a long time ago before i visited india, but i am guessing that will have worn off by now, so again. another consideration.

anyhow, thank you again. i'll let u know how it goes. the angry stubborn fool within is encouraging me to just go for it and see how i fair. but again, if it means my BGs start to shoot through the roof, then is it worth it?

t

 

[Copepod]

thanks to all for the input - i'm still on diet and exercise, so don't have any meds to deal with, but i do recall reading somewhere that constant heat can throw one's BG's off kilter. I certainly don't want to kick-start the progressive nature of the D by putting my metabolism under pressure, but yes, the idea of living in the tropics for an extended period would otherwise have been a no-brainer. yes please. bring it on.

the job i have been offered is right up in the north near the thai border pretty much in the middle of the rain forests, and would involve working with local teachers in schools that do NOT have aircon. i have been warned that it is a very sweaty existence. this normally wouldn't bother me, but since diagnosis i am a lot less cavalier about things like that. in fact, i have become annoyingly cautious.

it is at times like this that my D really gets to me. the fact that i cannot just say yes to opportunities like this because i have to consider how a, b or c might affect my readings really knocks my positive mental attitude into touch and brings it all home again. it's quite upsetting.

the malaria thing - i had jabs for that a long time ago before i visited india, but i am guessing that will have worn off by now, so again. another consideration.

anyhow, thank you again. i'll let u know how it goes. the angry stubborn fool within is encouraging me to just go for it and see how i fair. but again, if it means my BGs start to shoot through the roof, then is it worth it?

t

You can't have had jabs for malaria - the only protect is from tablets and bite avoidance. Some other vaccinations may still be in date from India, but you'll need to consult a travel clinic or specialist nurse at GP surgery. Ask your employer to pay, if you can, as you'll be charged for most immunisations.

Personally, I'd still go for the experience, but with care. Although I have type 1 diabetes, I have led a month long expedition in Costa Rica and led on a 4.5 month expedition in Chile, Falklands and South Georgia (north Chile was tropical, but we were only there a few days), all without Frio pouch nor blood glucose problems.

I think you should try to get an appointment to discuss this opportunity with a diabetes specialist - or at the very least, phone Diabetes UK helpline. It may be that a more active lifestyle, if walking is the main method of getting around, cooling off by tipping a cup of water over yourself "mandi" in Malay / Indonesian language, more fresh fruit, veg & rice might suit you well.

 

[timbla]

yes, come to think of it, i do remember taking anti malaria tablets. at that time i had a bunch of inoculations which included oral meds, jabs and tablets. i will call the diabetes helpline later as you suggested.

i am thinking now that i should just go for it and see how it pans out. worse case scenario i just walk away and return, but i am not a quitter and this would be a last-resort option for sure.

but thanks for the help. i'll let u know how i get on.

t