During the winter season, blood sugar levels fluctuate and this can be especially worrying for diabetics. Dr Ashok Jhingan, Senior Director, BLK-Max Centre for Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity & Endocrinology, points out that just as high temperatures can change how your body uses insulin, the winter season poses its own set of challenges for diabetics. “Not only extreme cold affects your glucose levels, but it may also lead to false readings. Diabetes management also depends a lot on lifestyle changes. Winters make us slow, lethargic, and less active due to which the blood sugar levels can go up. Add to it all the calorie-laden winter comfort food and your sugar levels can really go awry,” shares Dr Jhingan.
Dr Ashok Jhingan shares a few tips to control blood sugar levels during the winter months – follow these and keep those winter blues away!
Warm up your body
Physical activities like exercise lower one’s blood sugar levels, help the body use insulin better, keeps you warm, and can even improve your mood. If it’s too cold to step out, you can do indoor exercises like stationary cycling.
Take care of overall health
When you’re sick, your diabetes is more difficult to control. If you catch a cold, virus or flu and you develop ketones, make sure you follow your sick day rules. Contact your doctor if ketones persist.
How can diabetics stay healthy during winter
- Make sure to get your flu shot
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night
- Wash your hands frequently
- If you do get sick, stay home
- Eat well
- When you go out for a party, wear proper clothing to protect you from cold
- If consuming alcohol, never take it on empty stomach, and always have proper food
- Remember to count the carbs for ALL of the food that you are eating
- Keep yourself well hydrated during winters
- Don’t skip the dose of medicines
- Dose your insulin correctly for what you eat
- Stews and soups with lots of delicious veggies can help keep you warm and are often healthy choices
- If you want to enjoy dessert, maintain a balance