Spring is such a lovely season, isn’t it?
What makes spring even better for diabetics is that you are less likely to experience hypoglycemia, according to researchers in Berlin. The study found that people with diabetes were more at risk of hypoglycemia in the coldest and the hottest months.
Does the Season Impact Glycemic Levels?
The study examined medical records of 2,500 patients with diabetes that were treated for hypoglycemia. Just over 30% of those patients had type 1 diabetes.
They compared the data with weather reports during that time to see if they could 
find a trend. The result? They found that hypoglycemia occurred 18% more often during the hottest days and 15% during the coldest days.
This study implies that perhaps people with diabetes experience more stable blood sugar levels during the temperate seasons, such as spring or fall.
The Drawbacks of the Study
Though this study is interesting, it certainly has its gaps. First, all of the participants developed hypoglycemia while indoors, and presumably under treated air (and stable temperatures). So this leads to more questions regarding the actual impact of the temperature versus the season. The second gap in the study is that it is limited to a small region in Germany, Hamburg.
These findings also raise the question about the importance regarding hydration and glycemic levels as the season temperatures can play heavily on hydration. Dehydration is known to cause a severe spike in blood sugar and insulin resistance. Any follow-up studies should intend to look at hydration as a factor in this trend, as well.
Don’t let these limitations get you down, though. Spring can still be a wonderfully calm season for you! Be aware of these findings and let them better prepare you for the upcoming season changes. Also, be mindful of your hydration as the temperatures heat up in the summer!
[expand title=”References“]
Insulinnation. URL Link. Accessed March 27, 2017.
Livestrong. URL Link. Accessed March 27, 2017.
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