Managing Diabetes in Winter | How to take Insulin correctly in Winter?

 

The routines of wintertime may be difficult for a diabetic. It might force someone to stay inside. However, it is wise to be aware of the issues and take safety measures. One can overcome the difficulties of the winter by doing this. If you want to learn more about it, read this article on "Managing Diabetes in the Winter Season". A diabetic patient may need to adjust their food, lifestyle, exercise routine, and medications. Diabetes has an impact on a person's quality of life overall. 

As the temperature dropped, things would only worsen for diabetic patients. It might increase blood sugar levels and potentially endanger health.

Managing diabetes in winter can be more challenging than in summer or rain. It is more difficult to follow a specific diet and routine of exercise in cold weather. For a person with diabetes, getting a cold or the flu may cause more than simply disappointment; it may also lead to serious health problems in the future. Patients with diabetes may experience a rapid onset of treatable infections like the flu and pneumonia.

Managing Diabetes In Winter-How to use insulin correctly in winter? 

Diabetics need to exercise caution to maintain stable blood sugar levels during the winter. To know more about managing diabetes in winter. Following are some tips for controlling diabetes in the winter:

# Putting on layers of clothing to assist control body temperature.

# Remaining inside, using a heating pad, or wrapping yourself in a blanket to stay warm. 

# Keeping active by going on quick walks or engaging in other simple workouts.

# Eating a fiber-rich, sugar- and saturated-fat-low, healthful, balanced diet.

# Regularly check blood sugar levels and modify medication as necessary.

# Keeping a supply of fast-acting glucose and glucose tablets in an emergency kit to use in the event of hypoglycemia.

# Visit your doctor regularly and comply with any suggested screenings or examinations.

It's crucial to remember that diabetics should exercise extra caution if they suffer from other medical conditions including circulation disorders, which can make it more difficult for the body to maintain heat.

Does blood sugar spike in winter?

There is some evidence to support the idea that seasonal changes, notably the winter ones, may have an impact on blood sugar levels. The regulation of blood sugar can be influenced by a variety of variables, including variations in temperature, daylight, and physical activity levels. Additionally, several eating and drinking behaviours associated with the holidays may cause blood sugar to rise during the winter. Diabetes patients must closely monitor their blood sugar levels and collaborate with their healthcare practitioner to effectively manage them.

During the winter, people typically skip their regular physical activities like yoga, exercise, and morning and evening strolls, which raise blood sugar levels.

Diabetics should also comprehend Raynaud's phenomenon, an autoimmune condition. arteries in the hands and feet tighten mostly in cold temperatures. Some of its symptoms include numbness and coldness in the fingers and toes.

As the temperature gets colder, people consume more sugar and include Indian cuisine. Increased sugar consumption raises blood glucose levels, which makes things tough for diabetics. Although it is common to feel more lethargic in the winter, people with diabetes and pre-diabetes should never skip their usual physical activities.

You may also read: How to Manage Stress?

How to use Insulin correctly in Winter

The type of insulin you are using and your unique needs will determine the safest and most effective way for you to take it. The following are some general principles:

• Always adhere to the guidelines given by your physician and the insulin manufacturer.
• Make sure the insulin is at room temperature and has not expired before injecting.
• Before injecting, swab the injection site with alcohol.
• For every injection, use a fresh, sterile needle and syringe.
• Inject the insulin into the subcutaneous adipose tissue, such as the upper arm, thigh, or stomach. Don't inject into a vein or muscle.
• To aid in the absorption of the insulin, massage the area gently after injecting.
• Keep a record of the times you take your insulin and your blood sugar readings.
• Contact your healthcare practitioner right away if your insulin is having any negative side effects or if you notice anything else.
• Additionally, be sure to store your insulin properly, typically in a refrigerator or a cool, dry place, but always adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.
• It's also crucial to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and be knowledgeable about the signs of hypo and hyperglycemia and how to treat them. Along with developing a strategy for dosage adjustments, you should discuss other variables such as your blood sugar levels with your healthcare professional.

How can incorrect insulin administration adversely affect your blood sugar level?

The body's blood sugar levels are regulated by the hormone insulin. It is essential for people with diabetes because their bodies either do not produce enough insulin or do not use it well. A condition known as hypoglycemia, in which blood sugar levels are dangerously low, can, however, be caused by administering too much insulin. An insulin dose can be fatal depending on a person's weight, sensitivity to insulin, and other factors. It's critical to keep in mind that taking excessive amounts of insulin can cause severe hypoglycemia, which can occasionally result in death. Seizures, comas, and other serious side effects can occur.

It's important to regularly check your blood sugar levels when using insulin and to follow your doctor's recommendations. It's critical to always record the amount of insulin you've used and to follow the recommended dosage.

Recommended Dosage:

1. Before handling the insulin, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Before using the insulin, check the look and expiration date of the medication. Use only insulin that is fresh and free of obvious clumps or discolouration.
3. The insulin, a fresh needle and syringe, an insulin pen, and alcohol swabs should all be gathered.
4. When using a syringe and needle, take off the needle's protective cap and put it on the syringe. Remove the needle's protective cap if using an insulin pen.
5. Use an alcohol swab to clean the injection point on the pen or the rubber stopper on the insulin bottle.
6. According to the doctor's recommendations, dispense the recommended amount of insulin into the syringe or pen.
7. Pick an area of your body to inject into—typically the stomach, thigh, or upper arm—and pinch a fold of skin.
8. To inject the insulin, place the needle at a 90-degree angle and press the plunger.
9. Release the skin after injecting, then carefully remove the needle.
10. Replace the protective cap on the insulin pen or throw away the needle and syringe in a sharps container.
11. In a record book or on your phone, note the time, dosage, and location of the insulin injection.
12. Never distribute insulin or needles to others.
13. Insulin should be kept in the refrigerator, away from heat and light.
14. Monitor blood sugar levels closely and be prepared to act appropriately if necessary.
15. Consult a physician if necessary.
16. if your blood sugar level changes or if you encounter any negative effects.

Administer Insulin Safely

To administer insulin safely, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the manufacturer of the insulin. This may include:

• Checking your blood sugar level before administering insulin to ensure that your blood sugar is high enough to warrant a dose of insulin.
• Using the correct type and amount of insulin as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Using a clean and properly functioning insulin pen or syringe.
• Injecting the insulin at the recommended injection site, usually the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
• Rotating injection sites to prevent irritation or injury.
• Keeping track of the date and time of your insulin injections, as well as your blood sugar levels before and after injecting.
• Storing insulin in a cool, dry place.
• If you are travelling, carry your insulin with you in a cooler with a cold pack to keep it at the right temperature.
• Always be cautious of the expiration date and discard the insulin if it has expired.
• It is also important to be familiar with the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and to know what to do if these occur.

#1. Unless otherwise instructed, never administer two different types of insulin with the same syringe. Additionally, the insulin to draw up first will be specified. Always do things in that order.

#2. The quantity of each insulin you require will be determined by your doctor. These two integers must be added together. Before injecting the insulin, this amount of the substance needs to be in the syringe.

#3. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Verify that they are fully dry.

#4. Verify the insulin container's label. Verify that you are taking the appropriate kind of insulin.

#5. The sides of the insulin bottle shouldn't have any clumps on them. If that occurs, get a new bottle and throw away the old one.

#6. Patients should receive their insulin at room temperature. Take it out 30 minutes before the injection if you have been storing it in a cooler bag or the refrigerator. An insulin vial can be kept at room temperature for an additional 28 days after you begin using it. Bring together your equipment, which should include alcohol wipes, syringes, needles, insulin, and a container for discarded syringes and needles.

#7. Check to see if your insulin dosage is correct all around. Place the syringe carefully so that nothing comes in contact with the needle.

#8. Before inserting the needle at a 45-degree angle, pinch the skin.

#9. Depending on how thick your skin tissues are, you can inject 90 degrees up and down. Before you do this, check with your doctor.

#10. Insert the needle completely into the skin. Get rid of the pinched skin.

Never use a syringe that contains two distinct types of insulin unless specifically instructed to.  It will also be stated which insulin to draw up first. Always follow that protocol, suggests Dr Sanjay Agarwal, the senior diabetologist and head of internal medicine at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune.

What to do if this goes wrong?

After injection, a large dose of long-acting insulin may have an impact on you for up to 24 hours. Depending on the degree of the overdose, you may be able to stop a hypoglycemic attack. If the overdose was significant, such as a double dose, take carbohydrates to boost your blood sugar levels and call your health team or after-hours advice service. Take more carbs than usual and aim to maintain higher-than-average blood sugar levels over the following 24 hours if the overdose was less severe—say, up to five units too much—to prevent hypoglycemia.

Check your levels periodically during the day and if you think they could be getting too low. Before going to bed, consume lots of carbohydrates. It is better to awaken with higher blood sugar levels than to run the risk of nighttime dangerously low sugar levels. Avoid going too low. If you are unsure, contact your health team or an after-hours service.

Using too much insulin 

Using too much insulin can lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and difficulty speaking. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness or seizures. 

To avoid hypoglycemia, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly and adjust insulin doses accordingly. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on insulin dosing.

Why do diabetics experience pain in their bones during winter?

Diabetics may experience pain in their bones during the winter for several reasons. One possible explanation is that people with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which nerves in the hands and feet are damaged. 

# This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected areas. Cold temperatures can exacerbate these symptoms, making the pain more pronounced during the winter months.

# Another possible explanation is that people with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that affects the joints. 

# The inflammation caused by osteoarthritis can lead to pain and stiffness in the joints, which may be exacerbated by the cold weather.

# Additionally, people with diabetes are more likely to have poor circulation, which can make it harder for the body to regulate temperature. Cold temperatures can make the hands and feet feel colder than they would in people without diabetes, which can lead to increased pain and discomfort.

# Finally, decreased physical activity during the winter months may exacerbate pain in bones and joints. Cold weather and shorter daylight hours can discourage people from spending time outdoors, which can lead to decreased physical activity and a more sedentary lifestyle.

# When a joint degenerates due to nerve damage, it is known as a Charcot (shahr-koh) joint, which is a common consequence of diabetes. 

# Most commonly, the feet are affected, and you may experience numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation. They could become hot, red, and bloated, as well as unstable or misshapen. Even while there might be discomfort in the affected joint, it might not actually be.

# The disorder known as osteoporosis increases the risk of fracture by making bones fragile. Osteoporosis is more likely to strike those with Type 1 diabetes.

# Early-stage osteoporosis symptoms are uncommon. You may eventually endure height loss, a hunched posture or shattered bones as the condition progresses.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition of the joints that results in the degeneration of joint cartilage. Any joint in your body could be impacted. Osteoarthritis is more likely to develop in people with Type 2 diabetes due to obesity than it is to the disease itself. Osteoarthritis can result in joint discomfort, stiffness and loss of flexibility or movement.

How to avoid a Sugar Crash? 

When you consume too much sugar at once, your blood sugar levels will surge quickly and then decrease quickly, which might result in a sugar crash. If you want to prevent a sugar crash, try the following:

Limit your additional Sugar:

Limit the amount of added sugar you consume by choosing fruit or vegetables as opposed to sugary drinks or snacks.

Eat a balanced diet: 

Eat a balanced diet that includes protein, fat, and fibre to help control blood sugar levels and slow down the absorption of sugar.

Remain hydrated:

Remain hydrated throughout the day by consuming water or other hydrating liquids to help control blood sugar levels.

Engage in regular physical activity: 

Exercise can enhance insulin sensitivity, which controls blood sugar levels.

Manage stress: 

Because stress can raise blood sugar levels, try to find strategies to reduce stress by engaging in yoga, meditation, or physical activity.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol: 

Since avoid caffeine and alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels, increase your tiredness, and make you feel more hungry.

Eat small, frequent meals: 

To maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day as opposed to larger ones.

Wrapping Up

Those with diabetes might not like the winter. Because people are less active when it's cold outside, glycated haemoglobin levels can rise.

As long as you learn the proper skills and closely monitor your blood sugar, injecting insulin is easy, safe, and effective.

To administer an insulin injection, you must choose the proper syringe, add the appropriate dosage of insulin, choose the injection site, and be familiar with the injection technique.

Remember your diabetes care team, which consists of your doctors, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, and diabetes educators, if you have any questions or concerns. They are there to guide you through the procedure and respond to any queries you may have.

            Watch this video to learn more

Disclaimer:

The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

You May also read: Benefits of glucometer strips

FAQs:

Q1. Where is the best place for a diabetic to inject insulin?

Ans: At least 2 inches (5.1 cm) away from the abdominal button. The optimum area for insulin injection is the stomach. This is so that insulin can be continuously absorbed in the abdomen region.

Q2. What is the most effective way to take insulin?

Ans: Timing. The best way to use insulin shots is to administer them so that insulin kicks in as soon as blood glucose from food begins to enter. For instance, taking regular insulin 30 minutes before eating is recommended.

Q3. At what sugar level is insulin required?

Ans: If the initial fasting plasma glucose is more than 250 or the HbA1c is higher than 10%, insulin therapy must frequently be initiated.

Q4. How many units of insulin is normal for a diabetic?

Ans: The ideal dosage is determined by your desired blood sugar level, the number of carbohydrates you consume, and your degree of activity. Starting doses of insulin range from four to six units. Until you reach your blood sugar target, your dose may be increased by two to three units every three days.

Q5. Why is it better to take insulin at night?

Ans: When blood sugar levels are steady and within your goal range while you are sleeping, basal insulin should ideally only result in a 30 mg/dL change. Because of this, your healthcare practitioner will probably suggest that you provide basal insulin at night, preferably just before bed.

Q6. Where should you not inject insulin?

Ans: Avoid injecting near joints, scar tissue, the navel, the centre of the belly, or the area around the groyne. Additionally, you will need to replace or rotate your injection sites. You run the risk of developing hardened patches under your skin that prevents the insulin from functioning correctly if you repeatedly utilise the same injection location.

Q7. How much insulin is too much in a day?

Ans: Even the early signs of an overdose can quickly result from taking just one or two units of insulin over what your body requires. The following are the common reasons for an unintentional insulin overdose: taking two doses of insulin with meals. doubling the usual dosage of your long-acting insulin by taking it twice in a single day.