Does Cold Weather Affect Your Blood Sugar Levels?

A hormone called insulin transports the sugar in your blood to the cells in your body to be used as energy. When insulin is not produced adequately or effectively, it causes high blood sugar or diabetes. While most people are aware of the probable causes and risk factors of diabetes, many of you may not know that extreme weather conditions- heat and cold- can have an effect on the insulin hormone.

How does the cold weather affect your blood sugar levels?

• The cold temperature stresses out your body more than usual and releases the stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger your liver to release more glucose for energy, causing blood sugar levels to rise significantly.

• It raises the haemoglobin A1C level, increasing the risk of developing serious diabetes-related complications.

• This high blood sugar level makes sure the body does not freeze. It tricks the body into thinking it is warmer. While it is helpful, if this condition persists it can damage your nerves.

• Cold weather can freeze up your insulin medications and therefore, degrade them and affect their effectiveness.

What can you do to counter the effects of cold weather on your diabetes?

Here are a few simple ways:

• To avoid developing more complications, do not stay out in the cold for too long.

• Keep your hands and feet warm. Blood circulation in your feet is generally low due to diabetes. If your feet does not stay warm during the cold temperature, you will get nerve pain and infection. Warm up your hands before you test for your blood glucose. Otherwise, the machine will give erratic readings.

• Protect your immune system. It is more difficult for you to fight the flu if you have diabetes. It will weaken your immune system and then lead to potentially more serious consequences like pneumonia. So, do not forget your flu shots.

• Stay hydrated, since dehydration affects your immunity and your diabetes.

• Do not stop doing your regular exercises due to the cold weather. Pad up before working out outdoors or just work out indoors. Physical activity can keep your body warm in cold weather and thus helps you to keep your glucose levels in check.

• The cold weather affects your moods and emotions as well. So eat well, exercise and be social to keep up your spirits. Talk to your peers or your doctor if you need help.

• Keep your insulin vial and instruments out of the cold; do not let them freeze.

It is not difficult to manage your diabetes in the cold weather, if you are aware of the effects. Just stay warm, eat healthily and keep moving.