MANAGING TYPE 2 DIABETES IN COLD WEATHER

🌨 Cold weather has the potential to impact blood sugar levels in various ways. However, it’s crucial not to allow the weather to dictate control over your health.

☃️ Here are some recommendations to assist you in maintaining optimal diabetes care, even amidst chilly temperatures.

How can cold weather influence blood sugar levels?

❄️ The drop in temperature can subject your body to stress. In response, stress hormones like cortisol are released to provide an energy boost. These hormones, in turn, reduce insulin production. Since insulin aids the absorption of glucose (blood sugar) by the body’s cells, lower insulin levels result in increased glucose in the bloodstream. Stress hormones also prompt the liver to produce and release more glucose, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

🤧 Flu activity typically surges from October to its peak between December and February. Falling ill with the flu can trigger the release of stress hormones, aimed at boosting energy and combating the infection, ultimately causing a rise in blood sugar levels.

🎉 The winter months usher in the holiday season for many cultures. Festivities, family gatherings, and gift-laden baskets can disrupt dietary plans with higher-calorie foods. Cold weather may also hinder outdoor activities, impacting physical activity levels and potentially raising blood sugar levels.

How to uphold your health during cold weather? To effectively manage diabetes during colder months:

🩸 Regularly monitor your blood sugar, increasing the frequency if you’re unwell or experiencing low blood sugar symptoms. Cold temperatures can make blood sugar testing more challenging as it may numb your fingers. To enhance comfort and accuracy, warm your hands near a heater or around a cup of warm water before testing.

🏡 Keep warm. Bundle up under blankets, engage in indoor physical activities, or enjoy a hot cup of tea. However, exercise caution when using electric blankets, heating pads, or foot warmers to avoid burns due to potential temperature oversight.

💉 Receive an annual flu vaccination. Vaccination reduces the likelihood of contracting the flu, lessening doctor visits, work or school absences, and the severity of the illness if flu infection occurs.

🦶 Check your skin and feet daily. Cold weather often brings dry air, and indoor or car heaters can further dry out your skin. Dry, itchy skin may lead to cracks, allowing entry for microbes and potential infections. Pay close attention to your skin and feet to identify issues early and take prompt action.

🧘‍♀️ Incorporate indoor activities into your daily routine. Explore yoga or Zumba videos and make it enjoyable by inviting family or friends to join.

🍏 Stay on track with healthy eating, adjusting for special occasions. Consider reducing other carbohydrates during meals when indulging in sweets.

🥶 Safeguard medications, supplies, and equipment from extreme cold. Insulin is temperature-sensitive, requiring proper cooling without freezing. Insulin freezes at approximately 32°F (0°C), rendering it ineffective even upon thawing. Cold weather can also damage insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.

🆘 Prepare a backup kit. Maintaining a diabetes management kit is essential for navigating emergencies such as snowstorms.

This information serves an informative purpose and is not a substitute for consulting with a medical professional. For inquiries, please consult your healthcare provider.