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  • With Mayo Clinic diabetes educators

    Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

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  • Living with diabetes blog

  • Jan. 23, 2013

    Avoid cold-weather pitfalls when you have diabetes

    By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

6 comments posted

Controlling Your Diabetes

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My son, who has type 1 diabetes, recently mentioned that his insulin needs are higher in the winter. Do you find that your blood sugar levels and A1C are a little higher in the colder months? If you do, it might not be the colder weather itself that's responsible. Colder months provide a couple big potential pitfalls for diabetes management.

For example, from November to February, colder months in many places, there are several holidays that typically surround you with tempting foods, generally high in calories and carbohydrates. And if you live in northern climates, you're also dealing with extended winters that can discourage you from getting enough exercise.

Add together holiday foods and decreased activity and what do you get? Often times, you get weight gain and a decreased metabolism.

Here are some simple ways to enjoy colder weather without risking your health.

Test your blood sugar regularly to help you catch high or low blood sugar levels and keep your sugar levels under control.

Increase physical activity, even just a little activity such as a short walk a day. If it's too cold for that, be active in the comfort of your own living room with activities such as walking or jumping in place with an exercise DVD or exercise games on the Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect. I like to take an extra walk around a department store in winter months. Physical activity helps your blood sugar levels in several ways:

  • It keeps you warm! And the effects last beyond the time when you're actually exercising.
  • It keeps your mind active, too.
  • It increases sensitivity to insulin, which helps your body use insulin better, meaning you'll need less insulin.
  • It can affect your blood sugar for up to 48 hours, so if you take insulin, keep in mind that you may need to adjust your insulin dose.

Be mindful of what you eat — people tend to eat more during the winter months because of holidays, less daylight or shorter days and boredom. I find that I do best if I generally eat healthy meals and snacks and watch portion sizes.

Stay healthy — illness makes diabetes harder to control.

  • Get an influenza shot and pneumonia shot, as recommended by your doctor.
  • Stay home if you aren't feeling well.
  • Test your blood sugar more frequently for any rising trends.
  • Wash your hands regularly with hot water and soap or use hand sanitizer to avoid getting colds or respiratory viruses. I'm always mindful of washing my hands more frequently after shopping or a group activity. Many public places now offer antibacterial hand cleaner by the exit.

Seek counseling if you're feeling low, sluggish or sad. Don't be afraid to seek help! Winter months leave many people feeling blue. The stress of the holidays, finances, unpleasant cold weather and lack of sunlight can all contribute to depression. Being active and eating healthy foods also can help.

Stay hydrated — it can be a dry time of year, whether you're outside in the cold weather or inside with a heater. Drink plenty of fluids, and apply lotions to avoid dry skin.

Have a great week!

Peggy

6 comments posted

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  • March 15, 2013 5:52 p.m.

    I live in Australia and have type 1Diabetes. I need less insulin during the really hot weather around Christmas time. For some reason the heat seems to affect my sugar levels.

    - Valerie

  • February 20, 2013 7:47 p.m.

    I get both the flu and pneu, shot as reccommended by my primary care doctor. I struggle during all four seasons to ward off symptoms of colds that people who dont have diabetes seem unaffected by. I am allergic to handsanitizer, and have senitive skin, This year alone I have already been admitted to the hospital twice, and been on antibiotics three separate times...As a child, even before my diagnosis at age 29 ( my diabetes didnt show up until after the birth of my two chilren!)...I had problems with my lungs and asthma, I am a strep carrier..any thoughts to help me, so I can enjoy more seasons would certainlly be welcome?

    - tammy

  • February 6, 2013 8:34 a.m.

    If you have concerns about starting insulin, you need to have a heart to heart conversation with your attending physician. During pregnancy, high blood glucoses can adversely affect the baby. Insulin does not cross the placenta barrier and is used in pregnancy to control blood glucoses.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • January 30, 2013 4:55 p.m.

    you are right i notice increase my sugar during cold weather .so i will follow your advice . thank you

    - marwan

  • January 29, 2013 12:10 p.m.

    My friend is borderline diabetes and he has been complaining of headaches and flu like symptoms and he and family had shots for. The cold weather where he lives seems to affect him more lately since where he lives does not get these cold temperatures. Should I suggest to him to check his sugar count more this time of year? For me I have looks like to mid calf both legs where socks usually are but I don't where that tight a sock where the special for diabetic/ciriculation, more comfortable than regular socks. I find the cold too much when it goes over -25C, my finger tips freeze and hands. Cannot seem to find right gloves. I see what others wearing and buy a pair. Also I am waiting to be called to get some teeth out, but have not had any call and over 6 months now.They did not ask me if I had ciirculation or diabetes borderline. Last time I had some teeth out was when I was in high school and they ran blood tests before I had wisdom teeth taken out. They did not do that here, and still waiting. Can abcess in tooth affect diabetic borderline? Cause if they don't get down to business of getting abcess etc out it will make me really sick, right?

    - Nancy

  • January 28, 2013 5:49 p.m.

    My daughter is 29 years and has had Diabetes Insipidus since she was 2 years old. She controls it with DDAVP nasal spray and pills. She is now 6 months pregnant and has high blood sugar. The drs do not understand DI and want to start her on insulin. What are the risks of being on DDAVP AND INSULIN? She feels very uncomfortable adding more meds to her system. Also does DDAVP cause high blood sugar since it slows the kidney function? Does anyone at the Mayo Clinic understand DI?

    - Joyce

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