Common Winter Complications for People with Diabetes - Dr V Mohan and Ms Umashakthy

Winter can be a challenging season for individuals with diabetes, as the cold temperatures and holiday festivities can bring about several complications. One common issue is the impact of cold weather on blood sugar levels.

Cold temperatures can stress your body, leading to the release of stress hormones that reduce insulin production. As a result, blood sugar levels may rise.

Another complication during winter is the increased risk of illness, particularly influenza (flu). Flu activity tends to peak between December and February, which can trigger the release of stress hormones in response to infection. These hormones cause blood sugar levels to increase further.

The holiday season also poses challenges for individuals with diabetes due to changes in meal plans and physical activity routines. Parties filled with high-calorie foods and disrupted schedules can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, winter weather often brings dry air that can lead to dry skin and cracks. This increases the risk of infections if proper care is not taken. Additionally, it may become more difficult for individuals with diabetes to test their blood sugar regularly due to chilly hands.

Managing diabetes during winter requires extra vigilance and planning. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial, along with taking necessary precautions such as staying warm, getting vaccinated against the flu annually, checking skin and feet daily for any issues or infections developing early on.

By being proactive in maintaining healthy habits like incorporating indoor activities into daily routines and practising mindful eating during holiday gatherings—individuals with diabetes can navigate through winter while keeping their health on track.

How to Manage and Prevent Winter Complications?

Managing and preventing winter complications is crucial for individuals with diabetes. The cold temperatures and changes in routine during this season can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. Of course, many of these problems may not arise in tropical countries, which do not have a “winter” to speak of. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy if you do reside in a location where winter is an issue:

1. Monitor your blood sugar regularly: Checking your blood sugar levels frequently, especially when you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, is essential. Winter can make testing more challenging due to chilly hands, so try warming them up before testing.

2. Stay warm: Cold weather can be tough on the body, so it's important to bundle up and keep warm. Curling up under a cosy blanket, engaging in physical activities at home, or sipping on hot tea can help maintain body temperature.

3. Get vaccinated: Getting an annual flu shot is highly recommended for individuals with diabetes, as the flu can increase release of stress hormones, causing a rise in blood sugar levels.

4. Take care of your skin and feet: Dry air during winter months coupled with indoor heating systems can lead to dry skin and cracks that may become infected. Be vigilant about moisturizing your skin regularly and inspecting your feet daily for any signs of issues.

5. Incorporate indoor activities into your routine: When venturing outside becomes difficult due to bitter weather conditions, look for fun indoor activities like yoga or Zumba that you can do at home alongside family or friends.

6. Watch what you eat: Holiday parties often bring higher-calorie foods that may disrupt regular meal plans. It's essential to maintain a balanced diet by cutting back on other carbs during meals when indulging in sweet treats.

7. Protect insulin and equipment from extreme cold temperatures: Insulin needs proper storage away from freezing conditions since frozen insulin loses its effectiveness even after thawing out properly Also, avoid exposure of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to harsh environments.