In recent years, we have seen a significant change in the weather patterns across the globe. Not only have summers got hotter and winters cooler, seasons have also changed. As a result of global warming, our rivers and lakes are drying up and with falling water levels, drought brings with it a myriad of diseases. With depleting ozone layer, the strong UV rays have caused a sharp rise in skin diseases, especially skin cancers. The ‘United Nations Climate Change Committee’ has predicted a rise of 1-2 degree Celsius in the earth’s temperature by year 2050. A recent data analysis study conducted at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada, presented a new dimension on the effects of global warming on our health.
Researchers there analyzed the possible link between outdoor temperatures and the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a condition when non-diabetic women develop high blood sugar during pregnancy. They studied over 400,000 women who were exposed to either hot (24 degree Celsius or more) or cold (-10 degree Celsius or less) climatic conditions, 30 days prior to being screened for gestational diabetes in the second trimester. This is the trimester when women typically show signs of developing gestational diabetes. The results showed that a 10 degree rise in temperature increased the chances of developing gestational diabetes by as much as 6 – 9%.
FROM AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DR GOVIND SHUKLA, NUTRITION EXPERT
Govind Shukla, Specializes in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Nutraceuticals & Herbal Drugs has published More than 100 research papers in National & International Journals. He is also a reviewer of International Journal of Pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics, Chief editor of IJPNR Journal & Freelance Medical Writer for Different publication Groups including Lambert Academic Publishing Saarbrucken, Germany.
