Sports medicine specialist Dr. Andi Kurniawan has warned that intense physical activity and extreme weather during the Hajj pilgrimage can trigger health issues for pilgrims. Common recurring conditions include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. Sudden spikes in activity may also lead to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Dr. Andi Kurniawan, a University of Indonesia graduate and sports medicine specialist, stated that heavy physical activity and extreme environmental conditions during the Hajj pilgrimage can trigger health problems for pilgrims.
"Diseases that often appear or recur include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary heart disease," he said on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Andi noted that hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia can occur with a drastic increase in activity. Hypoglycemia is marked by blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL, commonly affecting diabetes patients but also possible in others without history. Hyperglycemia, conversely, involves levels exceeding 300 mg/dL.
