Winter Diabetes MOT

Over the years of living with the condition, I've noticed that the weather has the ability to impact my diabetes alot. Whether it's been when I've been abroad in a hot climate and found that I've become more sensitive to insulin or when I've been a colder climate and there seems to be a little more resistance to my insulin. So it stands to reason that the seasons can have an affect on my diabetes too.

Winter can be a bit of a challenging season for people with diabetes and it seems to be fast approaching, with the clocks going back on Sunday. Sometimes, people with diabetes can have a lower immune system than those without the condition. Which can mean that when there are bugs flying around the place, it's important for us to take precautions against them, such as having the flu jab. I've been having my jab as far back as I can remember since being diagnosed and now I think of it as part of my Winter diabetes MOT.

One of the other Winter diabetes health checks, as well as the usual clinic visits, is to check feet regularly. The things to look out for are irregularities in the look, feel and texture of the feet from what you would normally expect to see. Which is why checking feet regularly when you have diabetes is so important. As is keeping them warm and dry in breathable foot wear and accessories such as the Toe Tec socks I wear. The breathability and moisture wicking properties of these socks is essential, because wet weather and snow- if we have any this year in the UK, could keep feet damp if not otherwise protected, which could help bacteria grow and spread.

We can often tend to have more warm showers and baths during the Winter months, which is a prime time to check feet. It's also a time to be cautious about introducing warmer water temperatures to feet, which if they are experiencing neuropathy, may not be as sensitive to the heat. So it's often best not to go feet first into the tub without checking. Feet can also become dry and chapped during the colder weather and I personally find that regular moisturising helps keep them more supple and softer. It's also worth remembering that people with diabetes can have slow healing wounds, made worse with high blood glucose levels, so good control can be very helpful.

This post was kindly sponsored by the team at Toe Tec socks


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