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Diabetes: How to Prepare for Winter Sports

4 min read

By Abigail David

Medically Reviewed by Julie Ching, MS, RDN, CDE

Staying active during the colder months of the year is an important part of managing one’s overall health. From tobogganing to skiing to snowshoeing and ice skating — whatever it is, one way to  keep the body moving is to participate in winter sports. For most people winter sports are an exhilarating way to get in some exercise when the temperature drops. While the same rings true for those living with type 1 diabetes, some extra preparation and effort is required.

Let’s face it, between the bad weather and frigid temperatures, winter doesn’t bring that many joys, except for the fun winter sports! Diabetes doesn’t have to get in the way of enjoying outdoor activities, it just requires a few extra steps in order to ensure proper safety.

Caring for Technology

When the temperature drops below freezing, many of the technologies used to manage diabetes stop working. Not only does the freezing temperature affect the technology, but it also affects the medication itself. Unfortunately, if it freezes it will stop working. Even once it’s thawed, it loses the majority of its function. Taking care of diabetes devices and medication while participating in winter sports is extremely important.

Here are some tips on what to use to manage diabetes that will help keep medication at a functioning temperature…

Pump

If you’re someone who needs a pump, wear it close to your body, pressed up against your skin. Make sure the tubing is tucked into your pants and not hanging out in the open. If it’s exposed, it could freeze the medication.

Wear it on the front of your body for easier access (i.e., waistband on tummy, clip-on undershirt, or sports bra).

Pens

If you’ll only be outdoors for a short period of time, consider leaving the pen at home. If you need to bring it with you, keep it in a pocket close to your body, under multiple layers of clothing. Medicated pens can be stored in your pocket or in a fanny pack close to a hand warmer, but make sure they aren’t touching i directly as an overheated medication pen is also a problem.

Glucometer, Continuous Glucose Monitor, Flash Glucose Monitor and Pump Receivers

If you’re using any of the above devices, be sure to pack them in a pocket or fanny back that is insulated with fleece or with a hand warmer. These devices are so sensitive and tend to lose function very quickly when exposed to cold temperatures.

Medication Dosing

Always talk to your doctor before you plan on doing any lengthy winter activities. Especially if  you’re traveling far away. Most winter sports are aerobic exercises, so if you have done any jogging or dancing, it’s likely that your blood glucose levels will react in the same way.

Decreasing your basal (background) medication by 20 to 30-percent is usually a good idea, as well as having only a little or no medication that regulates blood glucose levels on board prior to any exercise. Eating a snack high in protein and fat is also a good idea to ensure stable levels.

General Safety

Now that we’ve gone over how to store and carry any medicated devices, here are a few other general tips to know about how to manage diabetes during the winter months, particularly when participating in outdoor winter sports.

Winter sports are an exciting and invigorating part of the winter season. Although type 1  diabetes may present some initial barriers to participating in them, with the proper preparation  and knowledge they can be enjoyed safely and fully.

MS, RDN, CDCES

Julie Ching is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator in Los Angeles. She decided to become a Dietitian after traveling through Europe, South America, and Asia and discovered a passion for food. She now works with people of all ages and varying disease states to improve their health. She is passionate about teaching people about nutrition so they can live their best life while still considering their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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