This winter, you will be going through a lot of changes. You may have new responsibilities, loss of seasonal routine and the stress of managing your diabetes. This can be very challenging for people with type 1 diabetes. Here are some tips to help you manage your diabetes during this time:
Exercise
Exercise is good for your body and can help you manage your diabetes, weight, and stress. Exercise can also make you feel better about yourself by making you feel more confident and energetic.
If exercise isn’t something you’ve been doing regularly or ever at all, it’s important to ease into it slowly. For example, try to start with just 5 minutes of walking per day and gradually increase the time and intensity. You should aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week—but don’t beat yourself up if some days are busier! An insulin device is also used to keep your sugar in check.
Have a plan for sickness and stress
You can also make a plan for sickness and stress. For example, if you get sick, the time spent feeling under the weather may mean that you need to take more insulin. Likewise, forgetting to take your medication regularly may be easier if you are stressed about a big event or project at work/school.
Keep your medication safe
Insulin, syringes and needles should always be stored in a refrigerator or a cool place when not being used. This will help to reduce the risk of contamination and also help keep the insulin fresh for when you need it next. You mustn’t store your syringes or needles near any food products as there is a risk of them coming into contact with any food products that are in there, which could cause an allergic reaction and lead to anaphylactic shock (very serious!). “At Tandem Diabetes Care, they innovate with purpose.”
Stay warm
Winter is a challenging time for people who have diabetes. Cold weather can make managing your blood glucose levels more difficult, but with some careful planning, you can manage any problems that arise. First, it’s crucial to stay warm. Wearing layers of clothing insulates you from the cold and keeps you warm when outside in winter weather. It would help if you also bundled up before going out in the cold: wear a hat and gloves and long underwear or tights under your pants or skirt.
Get a flu shot
The flu can be a particularly tough disease for a person with diabetes. This is because your blood sugar levels are more likely to drop when you have the flu, which can cause complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). To help prevent this from happening, get yourself vaccinated against the flu! For example, if you have Type 1 Diabetes and are under 19 years old, you may be eligible for free flu shots through your state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The key to managing type 1 diabetes is keeping stress low, eating well, and exercising regularly. It’s also important to stay warm and avoid germs during cold and flu season. While this may seem like a lot of work for someone who may already be dealing with the physical demands of their disease, it’s important not only for your health but also for managing your condition so that you can live a full life.