Ranchi: Skipping morning walks, consuming more sweets and changing dietary habits during winter can make blood sugar management difficult for diabetic patients, increasing their vulnerability to heart related complications, doctors have warned. With temperatures dropping, medical experts have advised patients to pay closer attention to their daily routines rather than allowing the cold weather to disrupt their diabetes management.
Doctors said that winter often brings changes in eating patterns, with people consuming more food, sweets and calorie rich seasonal delicacies. At the same time, many reduce their physical activity or discontinue morning walks due to low temperatures. This combination can contribute to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, particularly among patients who already have difficulty maintaining sugar control.
“During winter, people’s dietary intake tends to increase, particularly their consumption of sweets. At the same time, many avoid morning walks because of low temperatures. These two factors can contribute to an increase in blood sugar levels. The incidence of cough, cold and flu also rises during this season, which can further complicate diabetes management,” said Dr M K Bhadani, a physician, said.
Beyond blood sugar fluctuations, doctors have expressed concern over cardiovascular complications among diabetic patients during winter. Diabetes itself increases the risk of heart disease, while exposure to cold temperatures can put additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Patients may be particularly vulnerable to conditions such as angina, ischaemic heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke.
Dr Hemant Narayan, HOD of Cardiac health at Rajendra Institute of Medical Science s ( RIMS), said, “Diabetic patients are already at a higher risk of cardiac complications. During winter, particular attention is required to prevent complications such as angina, ischaemic heart disease, heart attacks and stroke,” the doctor added.
Medical experts said seasonal infections also require attention, as illnesses can cause blood sugar levels to rise or fluctuate, making regular monitoring important.
Doctors have advised patients not to abandon exercise during winter but to shift their morning walks to warmer hours or opt for indoor physical activities. They have also recommended limiting sweets and carbohydrate-rich foods, taking prescribed medicines regularly and monitoring blood glucose levels.
Experts further stressed that diabetic patients should not ignore warning signs such as chest pain, unusual breathlessness or sudden weakness and should seek immediate medical attention when such symptoms occur.
