Winter season provides relief from the scorching heat and humidity but sometimes also increases the risk of many health related problems. Many diabetic and pre-diabetic patients find that it becomes more difficult to keep their blood sugar under control as the cold increases.
This is not a coincidence, rather there are six big reasons hidden behind it. About which Dr. Manisha Arora, internal physician of CK Birla Hospital, has given information in this article.
It is difficult to control blood sugar in winter due to these 6 reasons.
Lack of workout- In cold weather, people reduce going out and exercising. Most of their time is spent sitting or indoors. Less movement reduces the body’s ability to use insulin. The direct effect of which is seen in the form of increase in blood sugar.
Change in eating habits- In winter, people mostly like to eat hot, fried and carbohydrate rich food. At this time the consumption of sweet drinks like tea, coffee, hot chocolate increases. Due to festivals, overeating and eating at wrong times becomes common. After this type of food, sugar increases suddenly.
hormonal changes- In cold, the body releases more stress hormones (such as cortisol). These hormones do not allow insulin to function properly. Apart from this, lack of sunlight can also cause deficiency of Vitamin D in the body. Let us tell you, deficiency of Vitamin D makes it difficult to control blood sugar.
Winter diseases- Problems of cold, cough, flu and infection trouble people more in this season. You may hardly know that during illness, the body produces hormones that increase the sugar level. Even a mild illness can make blood sugar go up and down.
Drink less water- People feel less thirsty in cold, hence people drink less water. Due to which the problem of dehydration starts in the body. Dehydration can further increase the blood sugar level.
sleep problem- Sleep pattern gets disturbed in cold. Poor or less sleep increases insulin resistance. Which also affects sugar control.
What to do to keep sugar under control in winter?
-Do light exercise daily even inside the house
-Eat balanced and at the right time
-Keep drinking water, don’t wait for thirst
-Check blood sugar regularly
-Get full and good sleep