Tips for managing your
diabetes even when the temperature drops.
1. Keep your diabetes
devices and insulin out of the cold- Just like extreme heat, extreme
cold can affect your insulin. We recommend that you avoid exposing your insulin
pump and continuous glucose monitor to weather below 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Make
sure your blood glucose (BG) meter is protected in a case, and bundled up too!
2. Protect your immune system-
Winter is flu season, and when you’re sick, you’re probably stressed, both of
which can raise BG levels. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or keep
hand sanitizer nearby, so you don’t spread germs
3. Test, don’t guess-
Dramatic temperature changes may affect your BG levels. As the seasons change,
pay close attention to your CGM trend,
because you’ll likely be experiencing different activities or schedules than
other times during the year.
4. Keep your hands warm-Cold
weather can leave you with cold hands, making testing your BG more difficult.
When your hands are warmer, it brings more blood to your fingers. Wearing
gloves outside is one of the easiest ways to keep your hands warm during the
cold months.
5. Don’t stop moving-Cold
weather can make us want to bundle up by the fire and skip our exercise
routine, especially when the sun goes down earlier in the day. It’s important
to continue moving during the winter season to help keep your BG levels under
control, keep you warm, and relax your mind. Look for ways to work in your
daily exercise , such as walking at your local mall, joining a gym, trying
activities you can do at home, taking up a new winter sport, or bundling up
with a buddy and continuing your outdoor routine.
6. Keep an eye on your feet-Winter
air can dry out and crack your skin, especially on your feet, which can open
doors to wounds and infections. Be sure to protect your feet with the necessary
winter footwear, especially in the snow and below freezing temperatures. Apply
moisturizer to your feet to keep your skin healthy, and inspect them daily
