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For people who combat diabetes, regardless of its form, struggles are ongoing. A period of year that is well suited for the comfort of starchy carbs and sugary delicacies is set up for temptation by the lead-up to the winter season, which includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Today, controlling diabetes is a significant burden. In the winter compared to the summer, diabetics are more likely to have higher blood glucose levels. Therefore, whether it comes to temperature changes or seasonal changes, they need to take extra measures. Many diabetics see a rise in blood sugar levels as the temperature drops. It occurs because you could exercise less and stay indoors more during the winter.
What effects may the winter months have on diabetics?
Cold weather can increase a person’s HbA1c or glycated haemoglobin levels, regardless of the kind of diabetes they have. This is most likely due to a decrease in physical activity. Going outside in the cold is challenging for some people.
Since individuals tend to spend more time indoors and venture outside less during the winter, people typically report feeling depressed. Wintertime inactivity can occasionally result in mood swings or despair, which can increase blood sugar levels.
Due to vascular anomalies, the majority of diabetics lose feeling in their toes and feet throughout the winter. People are encouraged to regularly check their feet to make sure there are no open wounds or pressure sores.
Tips To Manage Your Blood Sugar All Winter
Below are a few diabetes tips which you need to follow this winter to manage your blood sugar.
1. Stay on schedule
Holiday feasts frequently alter the schedule of everyday meals to accommodate chefs and travelling members of your family. These special meals might be served at times other than when you typically eat, such as a late lunch or early dinner on Christmas Day. To sustain your blood sugar cycle, try to organise your activities around these unusual periods while being as consistent with your routine as you can.
In reality, skipping a meal in anticipation of a later indulgence has a detrimental impact on blood sugar regulation and might cause unforeseen glucose spikes. Through the holidays, you can manage irregular eating patterns by eating smaller portions at each meal, and you can keep a regular eating schedule throughout the winter.
2. Portion Control
The macronutrients protein, fat, and carbohydrates provide your body with its energy. Particularly carbohydrates that are converted into glucose or sugar and absorbed into the bloodstream have the biggest influence on blood sugar levels. Your blood sugar levels will increase since many Christmas treats contain a lot of carbohydrates. Plan your meals and consume only a small amount of unique treats.
3. Keep Your Supplies Out of the Cold
According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, excessive cold can have an impact on your insulin and prohibit your glucose monitor from operating (CHOP). Never leave supplies in a moving vehicle while it is below freezing outside.
4. Have a Plan for the Holidays
It might be challenging to control type 2 diabetes over the holidays. The abundance of carbohydrates in many holiday sweets will raise your blood sugar levels. The CDC advises meal planning and limiting special treat consumption to avoid starting spring a few pounds heavier. Alcohol should also be avoided or consumed in moderation because it can reduce blood sugar and interfere with diabetic treatments.
5. Pay attention to your feet
According to the Cleveland Clinic, diabetes can lead to a loss of feeling in your feet and toes. The ADA advises keeping them dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and wearing the proper winter footwear, especially in the snow. To prevent infections, moisturise your feet, but avoid applying it in the space between your toes.
6. Warm Your Hands Before Testing your Blood Sugar
The best blood sugar reading might not be possible if your hands are chilly, according to Roust. Before testing, give them a warm water wash.According to CHOP, the majority of blood glucose meters only function at temperatures above 40 degrees F.
7. Don’t Use Cold Weather as an Excuse to Skip Your Workouts
In the winter, it might be challenging to find the motivation to work out. But keeping blood sugar under control requires activity. The Mayo Clinic suggests layering your clothing when working out outside in the cold. Or you might join a gym and exercise inside. Another choice is to incorporate fitness into your daily routine by using the stairs, lifting weights, and exercising to music.
8. Check Your Sugar Level Frequently
Since the body uses more energy to keep us warm in the winter, hunger is a common occurrence. It is suggested to choose nutrient-dense foods over processed fast food. To keep track of your eating patterns, check your blood sugar levels frequently throughout the day.
Monitor the levels of your blood sugar. To conveniently monitor blood sugar at home, use the BeatO Glucometer. Protect yourself from unwelcome diabetes complications!
Conclusion
By following the above instructions, you will be able to control your diabetes over the winter and maintain good health the entire time! Just be sure to prepare for the cold weather by dressing warmly, carrying your diabetes supplies with you, monitoring your blood sugar more frequently, and discussing any potential effects of the cold on your diabetes with your doctor.
Safe travels, and have fun this winter! And remember to keep warm outside!
If you want to sell test strips visit American Medical Surplus today or call us at 570-600-5040.
