How
cold weather affects your blood sugar levels?
New Delhi, 27th November 2015: The slight nip in the weather might come as a
sign of relief from the scorching summer heat, but people living with diabetes
should approach it with caution. It is believed that the peak of both the
winter and summer months can cause severe fluctuations in a diabetic’s blood
sugar levels. Most importantly, the weather transformation can impact their
body functioning, and the how body produces and uses insulin.
Raising
awareness about the issue, Padma Shri
Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal, Honorary Secretary General, IMA and President, HCFI
said, “There exists a lack of awareness of how the winter months can affect
our blood glucose levels. When the temperature drops, the body requires an
increased amount of insulin to function effectively. It is not uncommon that
diabetics experience a sudden drop in their insulin requirements when the
chilly winters give way to the spring. The exact reason behind this is not
known, but this change has continuously been associated with an increased
delivery of glucose and insulin to peripheral tissues. People also tend to be more
stressed during the winter months and are prone to depression. As a reaction to
this stress, the blood sugar levels of diabetics often go up. The cold weather
can make your blood thicker and aggravate shifts in blood sugar levels. It is
therefore advised that all diabetics consult their consulting doctors before
the onset of the winter for any change in their medication and also ensure that
they stay warm and consume a healthy diet."
Follow
certain tips to manage diabetes this winter:
·
Take precaution
against the cold and flu: A cold and flu infection can prove to be harmful if proper
precautionary measures are not taken. It is important for diabetics to get a
flu vaccine after consulting their doctor. It is also important that proper
hand hygiene is maintained, the body is given adequate rest, and a healthy diet
is consumed.
·
Stay warm to
stay protected: It is important to keep oneself warm to avoid the adverse effects
of the chilly winters. Make sure you wear enough layers of clothes to keep your
body warm and dry. In addition to this, one must cover his/her feet properly
especially if the individual has blood circulation related problems. It is also
important to keep a check on your blood glucose levels.
·
Consume a
healthy diet: People
have a tendency to indulge in high-calorie food during the winter months. The
reason for this is the onset of the festive and wedding season as well as
winter depression. It is extremely important that diabetics watch what they eat
and consume ample amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits with high
sugar content should be avoided. Alcohol consumption also tends to go up during
these months, and a strict watch is a must to ensure good health.
·
Get physical
exercise: Shorter
days and longer nights shouldn’t be your excuse for not working out this winter
season. For diabetic patients, it is essential that you exercise daily. One can
go out for a walk to the nearby shopping center or a park. Medical experts
advise that in case you join a gym, you should always consult your doctor as to
what kind of exercises you can do.
-Ends-
About IMA: Indian Medical Association is the only
representative, national voluntary organization of Doctors of Modern Scientific
System of Medicine, which looks after the interest of doctors as well as the
well being of the community at large. It has its Headquarter in Delhi and State
/ Terr. Branches in 29 States and Union Territories. It has over 2, 53,000
doctors as its members through more than 1650 active local branches spread
across the country.
For further information please contact:
Rakhi - 9871109555
Sanjeev Khanna - 9871079105
Md Adib Ahmad – 9873716235
IMA Public & Media
Advocacy Cell