Sarah Howard (nee Tackett) has dedicated her career to supporting the T1D community ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Manager of Marketing at T1D Exchange.
I notice cold hands that won’t warm up, I notice watery eyes and runny nose, and I notice increased appetite of comfort foods to warm up. Exercise helps warm the body, as does a hot shower or bath. But maybe we are burning more calores to stay warm which might mean more lows. Catch them early and get a flu shot!!
I think sometimes when it is cold outside I burn more calories and that can lower BG. For example if there is a lot of snow on the ground. But I don’t notice an effect from the cold in and of itself.
I do notice a difference, but I haven’t noticed based on temperature alone. I tend to eat different things and exercise in a different way so it would be impossible for me to determine that on temps alone.
Many years ago I noticed that I require more insulin in cooler weather, but I do not allow this to increase my BGL. I regularly change my pump Profiles with each change of season.
Other: bike riding normally causes my BG to go down, but when the outside temperature gets cold enough the same bike ride will cause my BG to RISE instead. As I’ve aged, the threshold for the change has risen, too. Used to only happen down in the 30s F or below (I like riding in the cold) but now the switch seems to occur for temps in the 50s. Something to do with adrenal effect, I’m guessing. Like at a certain temp, you’re body be like “Ok, we’re exercising, fine” but below that it’s more like “Whoa, nobody does this on purpose, must be getting chased by a polar bear!” and the adrenal system kicks into high gear and liver starts dumping sugar so I can get away. Which is NOT convenient!
I notice more of an issue with hot weather – BG goes down – rather than cold. But, that could be because I live in FL and hot weather is more the norm. When I lived in Baltimore, I didn’t really go out that much in cold weather – only to exercise walking a track – and of course my BG went down in those instances. If I was out – I was exercising. The area where I notice the MOST change is when I change my reservoir. Always go low so that I change Basal rate to an exercise rate (decreased). And, as I approach the end of the reservoir, BG gets harder to control.
Have never thought to pay enough attention to blood sugar fluctuations seasonally. Growing up and being diagnosed as a child in southern California where the year round temp was 72 degrees, it never came up. Been in SW Missouri for 20 years so maybe I should start paying attention.
I notice cold hands that won’t warm up, I notice watery eyes and runny nose, and I notice increased appetite of comfort foods to warm up. Exercise helps warm the body, as does a hot shower or bath. But maybe we are burning more calores to stay warm which might mean more lows. Catch them early and get a flu shot!!
I think sometimes when it is cold outside I burn more calories and that can lower BG. For example if there is a lot of snow on the ground. But I don’t notice an effect from the cold in and of itself.
I believe I am physically less active, thus my glucose is higher.
I do notice a difference, but I haven’t noticed based on temperature alone. I tend to eat different things and exercise in a different way so it would be impossible for me to determine that on temps alone.
Many years ago I noticed that I require more insulin in cooler weather, but I do not allow this to increase my BGL. I regularly change my pump Profiles with each change of season.
Other: bike riding normally causes my BG to go down, but when the outside temperature gets cold enough the same bike ride will cause my BG to RISE instead. As I’ve aged, the threshold for the change has risen, too. Used to only happen down in the 30s F or below (I like riding in the cold) but now the switch seems to occur for temps in the 50s. Something to do with adrenal effect, I’m guessing. Like at a certain temp, you’re body be like “Ok, we’re exercising, fine” but below that it’s more like “Whoa, nobody does this on purpose, must be getting chased by a polar bear!” and the adrenal system kicks into high gear and liver starts dumping sugar so I can get away. Which is NOT convenient!
I notice no difference whatsoever in my BG levels, regardless of the seasons or temperatures.
I notice more of an issue with hot weather – BG goes down – rather than cold. But, that could be because I live in FL and hot weather is more the norm. When I lived in Baltimore, I didn’t really go out that much in cold weather – only to exercise walking a track – and of course my BG went down in those instances. If I was out – I was exercising. The area where I notice the MOST change is when I change my reservoir. Always go low so that I change Basal rate to an exercise rate (decreased). And, as I approach the end of the reservoir, BG gets harder to control.
Yes, as soon as temps hit the 30’s (F) and below I’ve noticed a definite drop in bg levels. Seasonal change is also evident in my thyroid level , too.
Have never thought to pay enough attention to blood sugar fluctuations seasonally. Growing up and being diagnosed as a child in southern California where the year round temp was 72 degrees, it never came up. Been in SW Missouri for 20 years so maybe I should start paying attention.
My blood sugars tend to be in tighter control.