The weather can affect your blood glucose control and insulin requirements. Some people experience a sudden decline in their insulin requirements when a long period of cool weather (e.g., winter) is abruptly interrupted by significantly warmer weather. In such individuals, insulin requirements will rise as winter occurs and drop in the summer. The reason for this effect is not completely understood, but may relate to the increased dilation of peripheral blood vessels during warm weather and resultant increased delivery of glucose and insulin to peripheral tissues.

People with diabetes who also have the disease lupus erythematosus may experience just the opposite – lower insulin requirements in cold weather and higher requirements in warm weather.

If you find your blood glucose suddenly going unusually high or low and the weather is changing, test often and talk with your doctor about adjusting your treatment routine.

Tip of the Day courtesy of Dr. Richard Bernstein, author of Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08

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