As temperatures around the Kingdom soar to 50 degrees Celsius, the Ministry of Health has warned workers, travelers and those with health problems to take precautionary measures like drinking more water than usual and staying out of the sun. Business establishments, particularly construction companies, have been urged by local labor offices to schedule their working hours during the early morning hours or late in the evening. At the same time, those traveling overseas have been advised to take measures to guard against infectious diseases, and those travelers who have health problems have been urged to consult their doctors before traveling abroad. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mulhim, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association (SDEA), said people with diabetes who are traveling overseas for the summer vacation should maintain their blood sugar levels in a normal range. He said airport authorities should post this precaution for people with diabetes, as well as warning others with health conditions to avoid dehydration and other medical problems which they might encounter during the hot summer season or during their overseas travels. “During this time of year when temperatures soar, travel agencies, sports clubs, recreational centers and other establishments should issue warnings on how to prevent heat stroke, dehydration and other ailments associated with high temperatures,” he said. Dr. Basem Futa, Chairperson of the Diabetes Education Committee of the SDEA, said that citizens and expatriates with diabetes who are traveling this summer must take adequate medication and a copy of their latest medical report with them. He said people with diabetes should also have a medical checkup to ensure that they are fit to travel. “Diabetic patients must inform the airline of their condition,” he added. Futa also advised that those with diabetes who plan to travel should take appropriate clothes and safe shoes, a glucometer, adequate medication, and some food such as biscuits and juice. On airplanes, trains and buses, they should walk in the aisle for a few minutes every hour to increase blood circulation, he added.
