JUST as a year is made up of seasons, so diabetes wellness and management also have seasons.
Each season has something good and something not so good about it. We can swim in summer, rake up leaves in autumn, collect wood for a warm fire in winter and enjoy the signs of new life in spring.
For many people with diabetes, as the temperature drops, blood sugars rise. That’s because when cold weather keeps you inside, you may exercise less and eat more.
Cold weather can slow down blood flow, which can increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Living with diabetes increases your risk of these complications; therefore it is important to stay warm and know how to manage your blood sugar levels during cold weather.
Exercise helps to keep both your body and mind healthy. It’s as important as wrapping up warmly. Even just getting up and walking around in your home every 45 minutes will help improve your circulation, make you feel warmer than sitting for hours on end, help your body use insulin better, and so improve your blood glucose control, and keep those winter blues away.
There are many ways to be active without leaving your home. If you have stairs, walk up and down them a few times. If you are watching TV, dance during the adverts or dance while you are vacuuming. Enjoy whatever exercise you choose.
Cold weather can raise blood pressure, and if it’s too high it puts extra strain on the body as it affects how the blood flows around the body. Circulation to your hands and feet slows down and could cause painful neuropathy (nerve pain) in your feet and hands.
Keep a closer eye on your blood glucose levels during the winter.
When you are cold, it may be difficult to draw a drop of blood for finger-prick testing. Try warming your fingers before testing. Be careful if you have neuropathy in your hands or fingers as you might have some lack of sensation and could unintentionally burn yourself.
If you have neuropathy in your feet, be extra careful if you use a hot water bottle, electric blanket or heater to keep warm.
Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water, and ensure it has a cover. Always turn the electric blanket off before getting into bed. If you’ve lost sensation in your feet, you may not notice when they start to burn.
Blood sugar testing equipment and insulin pump handsets can also be affected by the cold so keep these at room temperature, or if you are outside put them in an inside pocket.
Remember insulin can freeze if it is left out in extreme cold, so keep your insulin that is in use at room temperature. If it freezes it is damaged. Do not use it.
The cold winter months and the long nights can make one feel low, tired, and even depressed. These “winter blues” can affect your blood sugar levels. Talk to your family or other people about your feelings. Maybe, invite a friend to come and enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee with you.
This will help keep your body and mind healthy all winter.
Alcohol can make your blood vessels dilate and cause you to lose more heat from your body. So drinking alcohol isn’t a quick fix to warm you up; it will have the opposite effect and make you colder.
We have seasons of growing in knowledge and of harvesting what we have learnt about how we manage our diabetes. Enjoy the winter, Spring will soon be here.
ISSUED BY MARTIN PRINSLOO, NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, DIABETES SA
