Winter Wellness: Preparing for December. Tips for Diabetes Care in Colder Months

As the colder months settle in, many people with diabetes notice changes in their routines, energy levels, and even blood sugar patterns. Shorter days, holiday demands, and freezing weather can make it harder to stay consistent. However, with the right plan, winter can still be a season of strong, confident diabetes management.

At NextGen Diabetes Care, we believe in proactive, personalized support to help you stay healthy year-round. Here’s your December guide for staying well, active, and in control during the winter months.

Why Winter Can Affect Diabetes Management

Cold weather sets off several changes that can impact blood sugar:

• Lower Activity Levels: People tend to move less in winter, which can raise blood sugar.

• Comfort Foods & Holiday Meals: Higher-carb dishes and sweets may appear more often.

• Stress & Schedule Changes: Busy holiday routines and reduced sunlight can raise cortisol.

• Effects of Cold on Circulation: Particularly important for foot care and neuropathy.

• Medication and Insulin Behavior: Extreme temperatures can affect how medications behave.

Understanding these changes helps you make decisions that keep your glucose steady and your body healthy.

1. Stay Active. Even When It’s Cold Outside!

Maintaining activity is one of the most powerful tools for stabilizing blood sugar. If cold weather makes outdoor exercise challenging, consider:

Indoor-friendly options:

• Chair exercises

• Yoga or gentle stretching (great for mornings!)

• Treadmills or walking laps at indoor shopping centers

• Online workout videos for all fitness levels. A quick YouTube search will provide hundreds of free workouts for every ability   

Outdoor winter walking tips:

• Dress in warm layers

• Wear moisture-wicking socks

• Use slip-resistant footwear

• Check feet afterward for dryness, blisters, or redness

Even a quick 10-to-15-minute walk after meals can help reduce post-meal glucose spikes.

2. Choose Winter-Friendly, Blood-Sugar-Stable Foods

Winter brings hearty comfort foods but they don’t need to derail your progress.

Smart choices include:

• High-fiber Options: Lentils, Beans, Barley

• Warming Proteins: Turkey, Chicken, Fish

• Seasonal Fruits: Apples, Pears, Citrus

• Healthy Fats: Olive oil, Nuts, Seeds

Tips for holiday and winter meals:

• Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables

• Add protein first to slow glucose absorption

• Enjoy festive drinks (egg nog, hot chocolate, ciders) in moderation

• Bring a diabetes-friendly dish to gatherings so you always have a safe option

If emotional or seasonal eating becomes tough to manage, your provider can help with personalized guidance to help you stay on track.

3. Build a Winter Monitoring Routine

Because winter brings unpredictable changes to schedule, diet, and activity, it’s helpful to:

• Check blood glucose more frequently during the first few weeks of colder weather

• Use CGM alerts to stay ahead of any unexpected highs or lows

• Review blood sugar trends weekly and talk with your provider about medication adjustments as needed

NextGen Diabetes Care provides patients with remote monitoring options which can identify changes in blood sugar trends early, and allow for any needed adjustments in real time.

4. Protect Your Medications, Insulin, and Devices

Cold temperatures can impact the effectiveness of insulin and some diabetes supplies.

Best practices:

• Don’t leave insulin or medications in your car

• Keep supplies at room temperature unless otherwise specified on your package insert

• Insulate pump tubing under clothing when outdoors

• Store meters and CGM sensors indoors; extreme cold can cause inaccurate readings

If you're unsure how winter might affect your specific device, reach out to us. We’re happy to help you find the right information specific to your supplies and medications.

5. Prioritize Foot Care in Cold Months

The dry air of winter and poor circulation can increase risk for cracks, sores, or diabetic foot infections.

Winter foot-care checklist:

• Moisturize daily (Always avoid putting moisturizer between your toes)

• Wear warm socks. Avoid tight elastic that can restrict circulation

• Check your feet each night for cuts, dryness, or redness

• Keep your toenails trimmed straight across

• Choose shoes with proper support and insulation

If you ever notice new numbness, sores, or color changes, contact your NextGen Diabetes Care team promptly.

6. Support Your Immunity and Mental Health

December can bring more than cold weather. It can bring stress or changes in mood.

Physical wellness:

• Get your flu shot! You can receive your vaccine at any local pharmacy

• Stay hydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty

• Prioritize sleep to keep hormones balanced

Emotional wellness:

• Spend time in natural sunlight

• Stay connected with friends, the community, or support groups

• Practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, walks, yoga, or meditation

Your mental health matters and you’re never alone in managing it.

7. Use Technology to Stay Connected and Supported

Winter is the perfect time to rely on tools that make diabetes management easier:

• CGMs provide continuous data without fingersticks

• Smart insulin pens track doses and reminders

• Virtual visits allow you to adjust your plan of care from the comfort of home

• Remote monitoring helps your provider spot patterns sooner

At NextGen Diabetes Care, we integrate technology into your care to ensure you stay supported even when winter weather keeps you indoors.

Winter Doesn’t Have to Disrupt Your Diabetes Care

With intentional habits, flexible routines, and the right support system, you can confidently manage your blood sugar and stay well all winter long. If you want personalized guidance, help adjusting medications, or support with diet and routines during the colder months, NextGen Diabetes Care is here to help.

Schedule your consultation today to get winter-ready with a customized diabetes care plan.