Keep a careful watch on diabetes during winter

From thenorthernlight.com

By Sandhya M. Gelou

Diabetes is not only a physical condition. It is a 24/7 challenge to maintain mental well-being. Constant vigilance and decision-making are central in the lives of people with diabetes. The mental burnout associated with the management of diabetes is called diabetes distress.

People with diabetes face additional challenges in the cold, dark days of winter, with an increased risk of illness, potentially leading to diabetes complications.

Winter is called “flu season” which is synonymous with colds, coughs and especially the flu. Annual flu shots reduce the risk of serious complications. When diabetics catch the flu, their bodies release more stress hormones, which complicates blood sugar management. Flu can lead to dehydration, which impacts glucose levels. Drink more water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

If you have a family member or friend with diabetes, check in with them to ask how they are doing. This is important if the weather prevents them from getting out for physical activity and socialising. Knowing that someone cares helps ward off the winter blues.

Cold weather can spike blood sugar in several ways, so check levels more often to identify fluctuations and adjust your insulin accordingly. Warm your hands before you test to make testing more comfortable. Stay as warm as possible and cosy up in a blanket after physical activity, whether outdoors or indoors.

Protect your insulin from freezing. Never leave it in a car or exposed to extremely low temperatures. Frozen insulin becomes ineffective, even after it thaws.

If you use an insulin pump and/or a continuous glucose monitor, remember to keep them protected. Be mindful of their placement to prevent freezing or damage from extreme cold.

Do you have an emergency diabetes care kit? One of the first items to include is a document, in a waterproof pouch, that contains your medical information:

• Conditions you have

• Medications you are taking, including dosages

• Emergency contacts of family and friends

• Your doctors’ names and contacts

• Details about glucose monitors and insulin pumps you use 

• Known allergies to medications or other allergies

• Syringes for your insulin injections

• Insulin

• Glucose meter

• Spare batteries

• Alcohol wipes to sterilize injection site

• Glucose tablets or gel, hard candy or honey to increase glucose levels quickly

• Other medications you take

• Water

This pre-emergency planning might sound daunting. Talk to your healthcare provider, who can help you determine what other items you should add to your kit based on your type of diabetes.

Cold weather typically comes with dry air, which can dry your skin out because of the higher use of indoor and car heaters. Check your skin and feet every day, so you notice problems early and get them treated promptly.

Ask family and friends to join you in indoor activities when the weather is too severe to get outside. Yoga? Dancing? Climbing up and down the stairs? If you’re reading or watching a movie, set a timer for every 15 minutes as a reminder to get up and walk around a bit – simple strategies like that can help with blood sugar management.

The complex interplay between mental well-being and diabetes is increasingly acknowledged in the medical community. With the high numbers of diabetes and prediabetes cases in the U.S., everyone should learn as much as they can about the disease. This knowledge will allow families and individuals to support each other in efforts to live healthier lives.

As winter unfolds, prioritise your well-being in joyful anticipation of spring. It will be here before we know it.

https://www.thenorthernlight.com/stories/keep-a-careful-watch-on-diabetes-during-winter,36205