Effects Of Winter On Diabetes

It surely is that time of the year again; the season during which you wear warm clothing and indulge in warm, comfort meals. And unless you reside in a city such as Delhi, with its extreme temperatures and smog, the winter months promise to be a welcome change. However, this year, with the ongoing pandemic and the danger of several other seasonal diseases on the horizon, you may be more anxious than excited for the oncoming winter.

The winter could cause major hindrances to your usual routines and make you want to stay indoors, especially if you have diabetes. However, by comprehending the problems that you may face and taking necessary precautionary measures, you can go a long way when it comes to handling the challenges that winter brings along with it.

Let’s look at the effects of winter on diabetes and some of the useful tips for diabetes management during this colder season:

1. Feet: While dressing for cool temperatures, pay special attention to your feet. Ensure that they are thoroughly warm and dry and that you are wearing the most appropriate shoes. Diabetes hinders blood circulation to the feet, leaving them less capable to stay warm in cold weather. Winter may also up the risks of infection as well as nerve pain in your feet. You must not only dress warmly, but also carry out daily foot checks to look for any signs of sores, discolouration, or cracks. You need to check your feet each day, moisturise them appropriately after bathing, and ensure complete protection by wearing warm and dry boots or shoes.
2. Diet: Diabetes and winter have another complication – your diet. Colder weather can have an impact on your diet in several ways. You may tend to eat more food during winter, especially when it comes to comfort foods. Winter menus could be teeming with scrumptious stews, casseroles, and soups, with the addition of holiday treats and feasts. You need to keep your diabetes meal plan in mind and allow yourself to indulge in a few favourites and that, too, in moderation. You should try and increase your intake of diabetes-friendly, seasonal fruits as well as vegetables.
3. Exercise: You need to have a goal of completing a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise every week. When the temperature drops during winter, there is a drop seen in physical activity, too. You may commence with an indoor workout routine like getting a membership to a gym, signing up for a new class of power yoga, or taking part in other aerobic exercises such as swimming and cycling.

1. Extreme Cold and Diabetes Accessories: Similar to extreme heat, extreme cold, too, can harm your insulin and cause malfunctioning of your blood glucose monitor. The same is applicable to insulin pumps, pens, and vials.
2. Cold Hands and Blood Tests: Winters can leave you with cold hands, making blood tests much more difficult. Regular, periodic testing will help you identify any spikes or drops in blood sugar levels, thus allowing you to keep them under control. If your hands are unduly cold, you can warm them up using a warm mug or a radiator, with a thick cloth or towel over it, prior to commencing your test.

• Winter Diseases: The seasonal flu can lead to a really testing time, especially if you have pre-existing diseases such as diabetes. Even contracting the common cold can lead to poor energy levels, with the worst aspect being fluctuations in blood sugar levels as a direct response to viruses, colds and flu. Ensure that you stay warm, eat healthy meals, and continue tracking your blood sugar levels even in case of viral infections.

• Mental Health: The winter blues are for real. For many, colder weather can impact their mental health. The gloomy weather, not being able to step out enough, or even a lack of vitamin D can lead to a potential drop in your mood. However, following the abovementioned tips such as exercising, eating healthy food, and caring for your body, can improve and enhance your mental health, too. Despite this, if you still find it hard to cope, you must seek the help of a therapist.

• Hydration: While the weather, your diet, and physical activity can have an impact on your condition, there is another significant factor that needs your attention: your hydration. Most individuals forget the importance of maintaining an optimum fluid level in their bodies. Consuming a lot of water or its variants (such as tea or infused waters) can help in balancing the electrolytes in your body. Those with diabetes are more prone to dehydration, which can lead to complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, when left unchecked.

• COVID-19: While you may be elated after receiving your vaccine doses, it is still important to continue practising Covid-appropriate behaviour, such as maintaining physical distancing and wearing a mask.

On A Final Note:

Guarding against winter blues can surely help you manage your blood sugar levels. Following the above diabetes management tips will ensure that both your body and mind stay healthy not only all winter but the rest of the year, too. 

References:

• https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/diabetes-and-cold-weather-5-ways-to-keep-your-blood-sugar-under-control/539285
• https://www.phablecare.com/blog/winter-diabetes/
• https://www.chop.edu/health-resources/controlling-blood-sugar-during-winter
• https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-cold-weather.html