Diabetes, Diabetics, & Outdoor Winter Exercise
How to Prepare for Cold Weather Skiing, Hiking, Jogging, & Running
Nov 6, 2009
It’s that time of year again—frost is in the air and snow flurries have begun to swirl. The time is ripe to start participating in outdoor winter activities. For diabetics, taking some simple precautions and being cognizant of a few tips will ensure a fun, healthy, safe, and stress-free winter season.
Winter Activities Are More Fun and Safer for Diabetics with a Buddy
Following common sense guidelines is important for everyone and especially for diabetics. It is never a good idea to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, hike, jog, or do other outdoor activities solo. Be sure to enjoy these activities with a friend. Inform your buddy of your condition as well as the warning signs of low blood sugar, including confusion, sweating, shaking, and irritability. It is also smart practice to wear a medical bracelet at all times, but particularly while participating in outdoor activities since you are at higher risk of sustaining an injury. In addition, make sure to carry extra diabetic supplies and food.
Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetics
Another concern that diabetics should take stock of is peripheral neuropathy. If you have developed this condition, speak with your doctor before participating in winter activities, so you can plan for any special recommendations your doctor may suggest. Reduced circulation to your feet can be problematic in cold weather since the risk of foot damage and ulceration is higher due to frostbite and injury. It’s especially important to wear boots or other footwear that fit properly and monitor your feet periodically to make sure you are not developing sores or other issues.
How to Test Glucose Levels in Cold Weather and at a High Elevation
Cold weather and altitude can present a few challenges to testing glucose levels. Verify the specifications on your blood glucose meter to determine to what elevation and in what temperature ranges the readings are accurate. You should store the meter in a plastic sandwich bag in an inside pocket to keep it dry and warm. It is also a good idea to store insulin, if you require it, in an inside pocket so it doesn’t freeze.
Testing your glucose levels in cold weather can be tricky. Getting blood via a finger prick is difficult when the test finger is cold. Pressing the finger against your gloved palm or under your armpit can heat it up enough to perform a successful finger prick. Chemical hand warmers are also effective. Some newer glucose meters allow you to test an alternate site. According to WebMD website, “These alternative testing sites include upper arm, forearm, base of the thumb, and thigh.” However, you should be aware that “blood sugar levels in the fingertips show changes more quickly than those in alternative testing sites.”
A Little Planning and Preparation = A Stress-Free and Fun Winter Season for Diabetics
A little forethought and preparation will go a long way in making the upcoming season one to remember. Kris Freeman, Olympic cross country skier, who happens to also be diabetic, has this advice: “Don’t give up. You can still do what you want to do. It’s certainly an inconvenience, but you just need to be flexible.” So even though there are some challenges that diabetics must contend with, none should be enough to keep you cooped up in the house. Maintaining an active lifestyle is also an important component in managing diabetes.
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