A consistently cold environment can make the effects of many health issues worse, making it difficult to maintain control of the condition. Type 1 Diabetes requires a lot of attention and the cold can have a surprising effect on blood sugar levels.
It is vital to understand that impacts of a chilly home on diabetes but also how to manage the temperature of your home.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that happens when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose). Blood glucose is the body’s main source of energy. As of 2021, it has been the direct cause of 1.6 millions deaths and 14% of adults are living with it.
Type 1 Diabetes: is classified by a deficiency in the production of insulin and sees those who have it having to administer daily insulin injections.
How Does a Cold Home Affect Type 1 Diabetes?
When in a cold environment, the body has to work much harder to keep up it’s core temperature which uses an extra amount of energy. This can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and with the addition of the cold, can impact blood circulation.
Reduced Blood Circulation: Those with the condition already face problems with blood vessels and circulation. In cold environments, blood vessels can become constricted causing feelings of numbness, tingling sensations, and pain in the hands or feet.
Compromised Immunity: People with diabetes have an increased chance of certain infections and in a cold home it can become much more difficult to fight them off.
Muscle and Joints: Coldness exposure can cause stiffness and reduction in movement which makes physical activity a challenge. Exercise is an important method of managing diabetes.
Tips for Managing Type 1 Diabetes in a Cold Home
You may find it hard to heat your home to a level that is comfortable and helps keep the symptoms of diabetes at bay. There are some actions you can take to ensure your warmth and protect your health:
Indoor Layers: Breathable yet warm clothing can be worn indoors along with thermal socks and gloves to keeps hands and feet warm.
Prioritising Room Heating: Only heat your most used rooms such as your bedroom and living room. Close doors, use draft blockers, and close curtains at night time to trap in the heat.
Move to Keep Warm: Some physical activity, if possible, that isn’t too strenuous helps with blood circulation and raising your natural body temperature.
Energy Support for Those With Diabetes
It is important to achieve a warm home when living with type 1 diabetes but it’s not always easy due to rising energy bills and financial situations. You can make living with the condition much easier by making your home comfortable and warm.
If your property isn’t efficient, renewable energy methods such as air source heat pumps, insulation, and solar panels can improve it. The great news is that they are all completely free with government energy upgrade grants!
You can save hundreds of pounds a year with these amazing upgrades, making coping with the cold and energy bills much easier. Suffering from type 1 Diabetes makes you eligible for these upgrades and you can quickly apply below by clicking the button.
Other Medical Conditions that Qualify For Free Home Energy Improvement:
Read more…
Comments
I have type 2 diabetes but am on insulin. Because I have a private pension I and just over the allowed income I get nothing off this government and it makes me really angry as even though my home is a new build the heating system is rubbish and can only afford to heat one room downstairs
Hi Charles,
Thank you for contacting us, we appreciate your comment.
I’m so sorry to hear about the issues you’re having.
Maybe it could be worth contacting your local Citizen’s Advice to discuss whether they can advise you further, particularly in regards to your new build property?
You are also entitled to be put on your energy company’s Priority Register due to having Type 2 Diabetes. This is a service that will pre-warn you of any scheduled power cuts which is essential if you keep your insulin in the fridge. If you’re not on this already, please contact your energy company for more details.
I hope this has helped in some way.
Best Wishes from The Energy Advice Helpline Team