The winter season means a merry time for all of us. We can’t stop reveling in the festive time. People can feel the Christmas cheer all around them and the joyous feeling of the coming new year. You want to stay in the comfort of your home with your loved ones to make the most of the winter season.
We like to eat our favorite foods, tantalize our taste buds and provide our bodies with warmth. But while enjoying the festive spirit, it is important to take care of your health. Special care is needed during the winter season if you are a diabetic person.
How Does Winter Affect Diabetic People?
The cold weather can have an adverse effect on diabetic people. For a lot of diabetic people, blood sugar levels tend to rise when there is a drop in the temperature. Their HbA1c tends to be higher during the winter months as compared to the summer season. As you may eat more and exercise less during the winter season, it will have an adverse effect on your diabetic condition.
The minus temperature will also impact your body’s ability to produce and use insulin.
The chilly weather impacts everything including our diabetic supplies. Just like diabetic medicines and devices, the cold weather can also damage insulin. It can lose its effectiveness if it is kept at an extremely cold temperature.
How to Take Care of Your Diabetic Supplies?
Our diabetic supplies mainly consist of glucometer,test strips, lancets and insulin. As delicate as these supplies are, there are proper ways to use and store them.
-Diabetic supplies should ideally be kept in a warm and dry place. You should avoid keeping your glucometer in a cold temperature. In case you are out in the cold, you should cover and protect your insulin pump and glucometer with a warm cloth or accessory.
Insulin on the other hand, should be stored in cold storage, such as a refrigerator.
– Do not store test strips in a refrigerator and discard frozen test strips immediately. Test strips, glucometer, and insulin should not be left in your car, irrespective of the time of the year.
-The ideal temperature to store and use your glucometer is between 50 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Sugar Test strips on the other hand, should be stored in a dry and cool place. Also, to get an appropriate blood sugar reading, avoid getting cold hands.
Winter Tips for Diabetics
-Stay Fit and Active
Don’t let the cold weather make you lazy and inactive. Even a little physical activity will increase your insulin sensitivity, keep you in a good mood and also keep you fit. Did you know? Inactivity and obesity remain top contributing factors in developing Type 2 Diabetes. You should maintain the right body weight if you want to manage your diabetic condition.
-Do Not Overeat
You might get tempted to eat your favorite comfort foods during this season butdo not overindulgeas it will lead to a spike in your sugar levels. As your body might demand more fuel to keep itself warm during this chilly weather, make the right choices and do not overeat. Consume a diet that is rich in fiber and has less of carbohydrates. Avoid eating desserts and consuming sugary beverages.
– Keep your feet warm and protected
Cold feet are not a good sign for diabetics. It can lead to a loss of feeling in your feet and aggravate your existing diabetic condition. People with diabetes are more prone to foot injuries and infections due to a hindrance in their circulatory and nervous systems. Use the right footwear and diabetic socks to protect your feet at all times.
While the winter season might leave you feeling cold and lazy, do not forget to check your sugar levels. It is the key to managing your diabetic condition. All your diabetic supplies including the glucometer, test strips, lancets and insulin should be in the right condition and stored in a proper manner.
Read More: Say Yes to Diabetes Care Plan For a Healthy Life!
Make sure that you make the most of this winter season but do not forget to make your health a priority. Monitor your sugar levels regularly and take all the right measures to keep them within the controlled range.
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