Winters can take a toll on the health of people having Diabetes. Archana Jyoti speaks with doctors to tell you what one can do to stay safe

With no let-up in the extreme cold, health experts have advised the people with Diabetes to be extra careful as bitter weather can play havoc with their well-being in many ways given their weak immune system.

They warn that fluctuating sugar levels often stemming from a weaker immune system and slower circulation during the winter months reduces the effectiveness of insulin. They can be prone to stroke, hypertension and heart-attacks. Elderly people report low blood sugar levels with disturbed gaits. Type II Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause blood sugar (glucose) to be higher than normal.

Dr V Mohan Chairman and Chief Diabetologist from Chennai based Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialists Centre explains that due to the cold weather, their walking schedule is affected. “It means that their blood sugar can go out of control because the dose of medicines may not be sufficient to control their Diabetes minus their usual exercise schedule,” he tells you.

It is known that cold weather can aggravate chest pain related to heart or angina. But people with Diabetes need not have the usual symptoms of chest pain because of autonomic neuropathy which affects the nerves which produce pain.

Hence they should be careful when walking or doing excercise in cold weather specially when walking up a slope or a hill, he warns.

Besides these, extreme cold weather can lead to frostbites which in a person with Diabetes can lead to gangrene. Hence, proper footwear and gloves have to be used by people with Diabetes.

“While frigid weather by itself may not increase the blood sugar levels, during the winter people are more prone to cold cough, throat infections bronchitis and pneumonia. If they develop upper or lower respiratory infections, this can profoundly affect the blood sugar level. An increase in medicines may be required, hence more frequent sugar level check-up should be done,” Dr Mohan says.

Dr AK Jhingan, Diabetologist and chairman of Delhi Diabetes Research Center warns that sudden exposure to extreme cold can result high blood sugar due to constricted blood vessels. There are chances of getting stroke, heart attacks and accelerated hypertension, hence one should be extra careful while going out in the cold. High blood glucose levels make it hard to fight infections.

Smokers, alcohol consumers, or those sick or with asthma and elderly ones are more vulnerable.

Even just a little physical activity each day can help your glucose levels in a number of supporting ways. Also, people tend to eat more during the winter in a bid to keep themselves warm.

Besides, this is also a festive and marriage season so people tend to eat more. So “no fast and no feast” policy should be followed. 

Studies have revealed that herbs and supplements have shown promise in lowering blood sugar, boosting insulin sensitivity and reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol.

For instance, there are antidiabetic herbal drugs like BGR-34, developed by the scientists from prominent research institutes like Central of Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) scientists. Formulation of time-tested herbs like gudmar, jamun, vijyasar and fenugreek have properties to enhance immunity level and lowering blood sugar level, said former senior scientist with CSIR who had helped developed the drug.

Dr Jhingan sums up saying that never leave the medicine and don’t ignore the symptoms of feeling suffocation or pain.

With some adjustments during winters,  one can lead a healthy life.