Monsoon brings fresh health challenges for millions with diabetes in India

Monsoon rains bring unique health challenges for people living with diabetes due to weather changes, higher humidity, a greater chance of infections, and disrupted daily routines. India currently has more than 77 million adults living with diabetes, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation. Heavy showers limit outdoor physical activity, travel delays alter meal times, and shifts in food choices or seasonal sickness can impact blood sugar levels in subtle ways. A single glucose check only shows sugar levels at one exact moment, but continuous glucose monitoring tracks numbers all day through sensor systems linked to smartphones. Dr Shalini Jaggi, who is a consultant diabetologist and the director of Lifecare Diabetes Center in Kirti Nagar, New Delhi, notes that diabetes care is shifting from a reactive method to a proactive one. Dr Jaggi states that continuous tracking helps show how sugar levels react to food, activity, stress, or illness, providing useful context during monsoon routine changes and supporting better talks with doctors.