Post Time: 2025-07-18
When it comes to our health, there are numerous factors that can affect blood sugar levels. While many people understand how diet and exercise impact glucose regulation, few consider the role of environmental conditions such as cold temperatures.
Unraveling the Science Behind Cold-Induced Blood Sugar Fluctuations The human body is capable of adapting to a wide range of external stimuli, but there are limits to its resilience. Exposure to extreme temperatures can have significant physiological effects on our bodies. In cases where an individual contracts a common cold or flu virus, their immune system becomes overwhelmed by the infection, leading to fatigue and inflammation throughout the body.
The Cold Virus: A Metabolic Stressor Inflammation is known to increase blood sugar levels due to its effect on insulin sensitivity. Research has shown that increased circulating cortisol (a hormone produced in response to stress) can counteract some of the metabolic effects caused by cold temperatures, resulting in temporary changes to glucose regulation.
Cold and Blood Sugar Levels: The Connection Explained During an infection such as a cold, our immune system is placed under considerable stress. This increases the production of cortisol, which triggers insulin resistance (a hallmark symptom associated with type 2 diabetes). Increased blood sugar levels contribute to fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, feverishness and even depression.
How Long Does It Take for Blood Sugar Levels to Return to Normal? Fortunately, once an individual recovers from a cold or flu virus infection the stress of the illness diminishes allowing normal body functions like glucose regulation return in line with usual blood sugar levels.
How do I avoid lows while working out? What kind of exercise do I do? Rock Climbing + T1D? All this and more in this week’s video! ◉ Subscribe: I asked over on my Instagram for your Q's about Exercise + Type 1 Diabetes and here are my A's! Thank you so much to everyone for asking such interesting, blood sugar diary pdf thought provoking questions! *IMPORTANT* Please know that I am not a medical practitioner and therefore all the views and opinions expressed within this video are completely my own and gathered from my personal experience of living with does alcohol drop your blood sugar T1D for over 18 years & maintaining a consistent exercise routine for most of that time. If you have any questions or concerns about starting or altering your own exercise programme please speak with your Primary Care Physician or Endocrinologist for more information. ☆ PRODUCTS I FIND USEFUL // MENTIONED ☆ Dexcom CGM System* : Glucose Tablets 12 X 10 Tabs (Mixed Flavors) : Dextro Energy, Energy Gel: ☆ VLOGGING EQUIPTMENT ☆ Canon G7X II : SanDisk Extreme SDXC Memory Card 64GB: Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod - Black : Rode Smartlav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphone : *DISCLOSURE: I am part of 5.2 a1c average blood sugar the Dexcom Warrior Programme in the UK, and therefore my Dexcom G6 is very generously gifted to me. Dexcom does not pay me to talk about their product, nor am I obligated to do so. All opinions expressed are completely my own. ◉ Facebook: ◉ Instagram: ◉ Share this video: