I have been reading many articles and books about climate change in the last 3 years. I’ve read two books by Greta Thunberg on the subject. No one is too small to make a difference and Our house is on fire. Both are great reads on the threat of climate change to humans and animals. Diabetes has been affected greatly by climate change. There are two main issues I want to bring up today that I’ve researched.
The first affect that all diabetics should be aware of is the rising temperatures of our planet. One of the major health issues diabetics face(myself included) are many cardiovascular diseases. High blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes can strike a diabetic quicker than people without the disease. With temperatures on the rise it can cause breathing issues and more stress to your heart. That’s why it’s so important that we lower emissions, stop deforestation, stop polluting our oceans, preserve our wildlife, find cleaner energy sources to sustain our planet. The polar icecaps are melting far too quickly, which is directly causing temperatures to rise. We need to preserve our ecosystems to help preserve our futures.
The second problem would be the lack of medical supplies available due to inclement weather. Type 1 and some type 2 diabetics rely on insulin to get through each day as a diabetic. The steady increase of hurricanes, coastal flooding, and extreme snowstorms can affect the availability of insulin, metformin, and many other life sustaining drugs.
These are just a few examples that directly affect diabetics. The solution isn’t a simple one. Change can only happen first through education. I’ve read books and have seen interviews with Greta Thunberg and her most powerful thought is change will only happen when we start treating climate change like a crisis. Talk to your congressman, local and state representatives, and read about your Presidential candidates stance on climate change. Read articles, books and watch programs about climate change to help understand the crisis we face on this planet. Respect our planet, and we’ll have a fighting chance.
I just wanted to share with you the research I’ve done and to give you a different perspective on diabetes. I will continue to educate myself on the subject of climate change and the affect on diabetics.
My next blog I will start to talk about how the pandemic continues to change our lives. Stay healthy and safe.
