Monday, January 27, 2014

Diabetes and Cold Weather

Over the winter months individuals with diabetes tend to have higher HbA1c levels than during the warmer months. With snow and ice threatening, sugar levels can creep up as the temperature drops.

With this in mind, we've compiled some tips to help keep your blood glucose levels under control during a cold snap.

Keep your activity levels up

Sure it is cold outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Even just a little physical activity can help the body to better regulate sugar levels. When you don’t want to walk outside in the weather and if going to the gym give you chills, work out in you own home.

What to do?


  • Take the stairs- Walking up and down the stairs in your home is as good or better than an treadmill.
  • Go to video- A lot of us have old exercise videos hiding in your house.
  • Play – with your kids or with their toys. Even games on consoles like Wii can help you get active in the comfort of your living room.
  • Housework- Laundry, cleaning the bathroom, mopping all require stretching, bending and lifting weights. So clean your house from top to bottom.

Dry Skin

The harshness of winter weather can be a factor in dry skin. However, high blood sugar can contribute as well. Dry skin can lead to cracked skin, especially on your feet which can lead to wounds and infections.

Don’t forget to use lotions and creams on your skin and skin to add moisture. Remember to leave the lotion on the surface of your feet since moisture between your toes can cause fungus. Inspect your feet often for any sign of potential problems.

Keep an eye on your diet

Colder weather can affect your diet in a number of ways. People tend to eat more during the winter, are more likely to eat 'comfort foods' and cold trips to the shops may give way to ordering takeaways.
Your body may ask for more calories to fuel itself against the cold, this is a natural response from the body, just make sure you don't over eat. You do not need to deprive yourself of your favorite food items, however, remember to watch your portion sizes.

When it is cold outside, we tend to snuggle up in a blanket and sit down on the couch. Unfortunately, we also tend to have a bag of something (cookies, chips) with us while watching the movie. We are distracted by the show and before we know it half of the bag is gone. Portion sizes can really add up with our snacks. So place your snack in a bowl or on a plate to avoid overeating.

While daydreaming of spring and hoping the groundhog does not see his shadow, why not check out February’s diabetes programs at Wayne HealthCare? Diabetes Group Classes will be offered on February 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2014 from 6:00-8:00pm. The cost of each class is $10 or $40 for the series of four classes. Pre-registration for the classes is required. The next Free Monthly Diabetes Program will be held on February 11, 2014 at 6pm. We will be discussing “Diabetes Medications”. If you have questions about any of the upcoming programs or would like to register for class please call 937-547-5750.

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