Staying active is an important part of managing diabetes, and you shouldn't let cold weather curtail your exercise plan. With these tips, you can stay fit, motivated and warm:
Check with your doctor. Almost everyone can exercise safely during cold weather. But if you have certain conditions, such as asthma, heart problems or Raynaud's disease, talk with your doctor first to review any special precautions based on your condition or medications.
Dress in layers. One of the biggest mistakes you can make while exercising in cold weather is to dress too warmly. Exercise generates a considerable amount of heat — enough to make you feel like it's much warmer than it really is. Yet, once your sweat starts to dry, you can get chilled. The solution? Dress in layers that you can remove as soon as you start to sweat and then put back on as needed.
Protect your hands, feet and ears. Try wearing a thin pair of gloves under a pair of heavier gloves or mittens lined with wool or fleece. Don the mittens or gloves before your hands become cold and then remove them if your hands begin to sweat. Consider buying exercise shoes a half-size or one size larger than usual to allow for thick thermal socks or an extra pair of regular socks. And don't forget a hat or headband to protect your ears, which also are vulnerable to frostbite
Remember sunscreen. It's as easy to get sunburned in winter as in summer — even more so if you're exercising in the snow or at high altitudes.
Drink plenty of fluids. You need to stay well-hydrated when exercising in cold weather just as you do when working out in warm weather.
Another option: Move your workout indoors. There are plenty of exercise DVDs and other low-cost options available for exercising in the comfort of your home.
-source: Mayo Clinic
Good Neighbor Pharmacy, November 2012
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