How do low temperatures affect people with diabetes?

The Spanish Society of Clinical, Family and Community Pharmacy (SEFAC), explains that the cold affects people with diabetes.And he does it by different mechanisms, as pharmacists explain.

increased disease during winter

We are in recent months.It has been to lower temperatures and have begun respiratory infections such as flu, covid, catarros, to important levels.

And all these pathologies directly affect the diabetics, in fact, they are considered a risk group and therefore must be vaccinated against the flu.

They can increase blood glucose levels.

During the flu and catarrhal processes, alterations in the mood and, as a consequence of them, variations in the diet and in adherence to the treatment of diabetes can occur.

Finally, pharmacists point out that some medications against respiratory infections, such as antigripales, may vary glucose levels.So before taking any of these drugs, it is best to consult with the pharmacist.

cold affects sugar level measurement devices

There are different ways with which diabetics control sugar levels.The lancet classic or those who measure continuously by means of a sensor placed under the skin, which is transmitting the measurements to a telephone or a smart watch.

Well, from SEFAC they warn that, if the thermometer goes down, the operation of these devices can be affected.And not only these devices, low temperatures can also affect the effectiveness of insulin.

Winter habits changes

Even if we are not aware, temperature drop affects our routines and, in the case of diabetes patients, these changes can produce changes in their glucose levels.SEFAC puts some examples:

If we look at the food, the diet changes since more copious and forceful meals are made.

Physical exercise is an essential part in the treatment of diabetes.And the change of schedules, with less hours of light, can make physical activity reduce.

In the psychological field, the decrease in temperatures can cause alterations in mood, which means this for the patient of apathy, lack or excess appetite ...

Special caution with the limbs

One of the effects caused by diabetes is vascularization problems, especially in the lower extremities, on the feet.By not circulating the blood well, the ulceration, infection and/or gangrene of the foot can occur.

Well, with the cold sensitivity is reduced in these limbs, which can cause the patient not to detect any feet injury in time.

As for the hands, SEFAC pharmacists point out that having cold hands can give erroneous results in glucose controls.