As the weather turns cold and winter arrives, it is a season when friends with diabetes are very likely to experience worsening conditions and complications. So let's learn about winter health maintenance for diabetes, and together we can have a healthy and safe winter.
When it comes to health management for diabetes, we still need to repeat our old saying about the 'five carriages'. Today, let's learn about the limited edition carriage for winter.
First and foremostthe dietary carriage, in winter, due to the cold weather, we tend to crave high-fat and high-sugar foods. At the same time, with various festivals, there are many nourishing products available. Although winter is a time for storage and conservation, most people's physical condition will deplete significantly, so it is necessary to timely supplement sufficient nutrition to nourish the body for the following year. However, different groups of people with different constitutions need to be treated differently when nourishing. For diabetic patients, pancreatic function is somewhat impaired; if blood sugar is very high and diet is still not controlled, pancreatic function will worsen, insulin secretion will decrease, and the condition will inevitably become more serious.
So how should diabetics eat in winter?
First, we must adhere to the basic principles of diabetic diet, controlling foods high in starch, fat, and sugar to prevent them from quickly converting into glucose and raising blood sugar levels. Here, I remind friends who enjoy hot pot and stews in winter to be cautious, as consuming these rich and fatty foods can lead to a significant increase in blood sugar and blood lipids. When making soup, one can avoid drinking the broth and eat less meat. For staple foods, one can eat coarse grains like buckwheat, oats, whole wheat flour, and purple rice; it is important not to skip staple foods but to choose them wisely. Vegetables such as cabbage, celery, bitter melon, cucumber, and lentils should be consumed more, and soy products like tofu, mung beans, and soybeans are also acceptable. Fruits like apples, pears, oranges, peaches, and grapefruits can be consumed in moderation. Additionally, high-quality proteins such as fish, chicken, and milk should also be included in the daily diet.
Secondly, diabetics should refuse warming and stimulating supplements in winter. Diabetes is a chronic disease, generally characterized by yin deficiency and qi deficiency, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, thirst, and dry skin. Therefore, when nourishing, one should pay attention to principles like nourishing yin and replenishing deficiency. Generally, diabetic patients should not choose warming foods, as these can exacerbate their condition. Deer antler is a warming food and contains adrenal cortex hormone-like effects, which can lead to increased blood sugar. Similarly, substances like licorice contain glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid, which can also raise blood sugar levels. Most diabetic patients prefer to nourish themselves in winter because after the consumption of spring, summer, and autumn, the yin, yang, qi, and blood of the organs may be somewhat depleted. Timely supplementation can help the body effectively resist the invasion of severe cold and reduce illness in the following year. It is recommended that those with a weak constitution can supplement in a timely manner, while those with a normal constitution can maintain a normal diet.
Next is ourexercise carriage, although we strongly recommend that diabetic patients maintain at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily, there are many precautions for winter exercise for diabetics. First, one must pay attention to warmth; cold stimulation can increase catecholamines in the body of diabetic friends, leading to elevated blood pressure and coronary artery spasm, which can easily trigger diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage and myocardial infarction. Therefore, especially for elderly friends with diabetes, it is essential to take proper warming measures when choosing outdoor activities. Secondly, prevent infections. We all know that diabetic friends are much more prone to infections compared to normal individuals, and winter is a season when various bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms are rampant. Therefore, while exercising appropriately, we must also take protective measures to avoid infections in the respiratory tract, skin, and other areas.
Regardingthe medication carriage, monitoring carriage, and education carriage. In these areas, we also need to be persistent. Although the weather is cold and going out becomes more difficult, we should still go to the hospital for regular check-ups on time, allowing doctors to adjust medications and diet based on blood sugar monitoring results. Never take matters into your own hands by arbitrarily increasing or decreasing medications or stopping them.
Finally, let's talk specifically aboutthe complications that are most likely to occur in winter for diabetes, particularly the prevention and care strategies for diabetic foot. In winter, the weather is cold and dry, and diabetics may experience complications from vascular and nerve damage, leading to narrowed arterial lumens and insufficient blood supply to the lower limbs, which can easily induce dry skin, cracking, and bacterial infections in the feet. In severe cases, this can lead to inflammation, ulceration, and prolonged non-healing, even amputation, medically referred to as diabetic foot. Diabetic foot is a chronic complication of diabetes and a major cause of disability, death, and loss of labor capacity among diabetic patients.
So how should we prevent and treat diabetic foot?
First, pay attention to warmth. Diabetic patients need to strengthen foot warmth more than normal individuals. On cold winter nights, multiple layers of socks can be used to keep warm and improve local blood circulation, ensuring good blood and nutrient supply. However, avoid using electric blankets or hot water bags to warm the feet, as diabetic foot can cause numbness due to nerve damage, leading to severe burns before the pain is felt. Shoes should be soft, breathable, appropriately sized, and wide at the toe, and long walks should be avoided. Secondly, pay attention to hygiene. Wash your feet with warm water 1-2 times daily, ensuring the water temperature is suitable and not too hot to prevent burns. After washing, be sure to dry your feet with a towel to prevent moisture that could induce or worsen athlete's foot. Foot massage can also be done after washing. For existing small wounds, handle them carefully, thoroughly clean the wound with disinfectant, and cover it with sterile gauze. If it does not heal within a few days, seek medical attention promptly. Regarding bathing, I want to emphasize this separately. Diabetic patients, due to long-term high sugar levels and the cold, dry winter climate, are prone to skin dryness and itching. Some patients may tend to take a comfortable hot bath, which is not advisable. For diabetic patients, we do not recommend high-temperature, long-duration bathing. The water temperature should be kept below 40°C, and alkaline or neutral shower gels should be used. After bathing, apply body lotion promptly to lock in moisture.
These are some winter care tips for friends with diabetes. I hope everyone can adopt and adhere to them reasonably, and have a happy, healthy, and safe winter.
References:
[1] Chinese Medical Association Diabetes Branch. Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in China (2017 Edition) [J]. Chinese Journal of Diabetes, 2018, 10(1): 4-67.
[2] Chen Haozhu, Zhong Nanshan, et al. 'Internal Medicine', 9th Edition, [M], 13th Five-Year Plan Textbook.
[3] Chinese Nutrition Society Diabetes Nutrition Working Group. Dietary Guidelines for Type 2 Diabetes in China.
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