6 Tips to Winter-Proof Your Diabetic Care Plan
When temperatures begin to change, your blood sugar can too. Both cold and hot weather can affect your medications and your testing equipment and harm your body’s ability to make and use insulin. Inclement weather and freezing temps can make it even more difficult to stay on top of diabetes. Today Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland is sharing what to watch for during the colder winter months if you suffer from diabetes.
Keep your supplies and equipment out of the cold temps. Just like excessive heat, intense cold can have an effect on your insulin and in some cases can make your glucose monitor stop working. Never leave equipment and supplies out in a car when temperatures are nearing or below freezing.
Try to avoid getting ill. When people are sick, they tend to stress, and this can elevate blood sugar. Wash your hands often so you don’t spread germs and prepare a sick-day kit at home and fill it with sugar-free cough drops, tea, soups - anything that will make you feel better – so it is easily accessible. Also, be sure to get your annual flu vaccination.
Avoid weight gain. Managing diabetes during the holidays can be tricky because festive treats contain a lot of carbohydrates that can elevate your blood sugar. Plan out your meals ahead of time and regulate your treats so you don’t gain weight. Even a slight weight gain can make it more challenging to control your blood sugar levels and diabetes.
Examine your feet regularly. Because diabetes can create a loss of feeling in your feet and toes, they need to be protected with the right winter footwear. Moisturize your feet to keep your skin healthy and examine them regularly. If you notice an injury that isn’t healing, contact your podiatrist right away.
Keep your hands warm. If your hands are cold, you will have to warm them to get a correct blood sugar reading. Wash them in warm water before you do your testing. Your meter will work properly when it’s kept in a room where the temperature is between 50 and 104 degrees.
Don’t neglect your workouts. It can be difficult to get and stay motivated to exercise during the colder winter months, but exercise is important for keeping your blood sugar in check. Dress in several layers when you’re exercising outdoors or look into joining a gym where you can exercise indoors.
If you are diabetic and have questions regarding how to keep your feet healthy this winter, contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, Maryland at (410) 761-3501 today to schedule a consultation.