Endocrinology and Global Warming

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Streamed on 08 Jun, 2026, 07:00 PM

ABOUT THIS SESSION

Climate change is emerging as an important determinant of endocrine health, influencing metabolic disorders, diabetes, thyroid diseases, and nutritional deficiencies. Rising temperatures, environmental pollutants, and changing lifestyles are creating new challenges for endocrine care across populations. Join us in this webinar to explore the complex relationship between global warming and endocrine disorders, highlighting current evidence and future implications. Dr. Sanjay Kalra will discuss how endocrinologists can contribute to climate-resilient healthcare and advocate for sustainable health practices.

Q&A

Global warming leads to increased heat stress, which stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and results in higher cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol may contribute to weight gain and poorer control of blood glucose levels.

Climate change and related environmental stressors are increasingly linked to declining fertility rates worldwide. Higher temperatures can lower sperm counts and adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.

A rise of 1 degree C in temperature is associated with an approximately 4% increase in the risk of preterm birth, while heat waves can raise this risk by as much as 26%. In addition, air pollution contributes to low birth weight and disorders of fetal growth.

Extreme temperatures increase the likelihood of dehydration, hyponatremia, and autonomic dysfunction. Individuals with diabetic autonomic neuropathy may struggle to regulate body temperature effectively, placing them at greater risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Excessive heat often discourages outdoor physical activity and exercise, making it more challenging for individuals with diabetes and obesity to maintain healthy lifestyle habits. As a result, diabetes and obesity outcomes may worsen.

Heat-associated nephropathy refers to kidney damage resulting from prolonged exposure to extreme heat. It may lead to chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury, particularly among vulnerable groups such as outdoor workers.

Yes. Several medications, including insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, require storage within specific temperature ranges. Exposure to excessive heat can damage these medicines and reduce their effectiveness.

During periods of intense heat, people often limit outdoor activities, use sunscreen, and avoid direct sun exposure. Consequently, vitamin D production can decline despite the availability of abundant sunlight.

People with hyperthyroidism may experience worsening heat intolerance. Those with adrenal insufficiency are more susceptible to low sodium levels and may need adjustments to their steroid therapy during hot weather.

Helpful measures include reducing fuel consumption, using public transportation, walking or cycling whenever feasible, limiting plastic use, adopting a more plant-based diet, maintaining adequate hydration, and replenishing electrolytes during periods of hot weather.

FACULTY

Dr. Sanjay Kalra

Consultant & Head,Treasurer, International Society of Endocrinology (ISE), Vice President, South Asian Obesity Forum (SOF) Bharti Hospital, Karnal, Haryana, India

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