Jamshedpur, Dec 10: With temperatures dropping and winter settling in, health experts have cautioned that people suffering from hypertension and diabetes must take extra care to prevent their conditions from worsening. City physician Dr. Ram Kumar has issued important winter wellness guidelines to help vulnerable individuals stay safe during the cold months.
Explaining why additional precautions are needed, Dr. Kumar said, “Winter brings not just cold weather but also lifestyle changes. Reduced sunlight, less physical activity and dietary modifications can impact chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.”
Increased risk for hypertension patients
Dr. Kumar stated that cold weather causes the blood vessels to constrict, which leads to a rise in blood pressure. This can increase the chances of heart attacks and strokes. “People tend to consume more salty and preserved foods in winter, and physical activity reduces. Both these factors raise blood pressure further,” he added. He also warned that sudden exposure to cold during early morning walks without proper warm clothing can cause dangerous spikes in BP.
Diabetes harder to control in cold weather
According to Dr. Kumar, insulin sensitivity reduces in winter because of low Vitamin D levels due to lesser sunlight. Infections like cold and flu are also more common and may push blood sugar higher. “Comfort foods and sweets are tempting in winter, but they can worsen sugar control. Diabetics must monitor their sugar more frequently,” he stressed. He added that poor circulation in diabetics can increase risks of numbness, cold injuries and foot infections.
Winter wellness tips
Dr. Kumar advised patients to continue mild exercises such as indoor walking, yoga, stretching and cycling while avoiding harsh cold exposure. Wearing layered clothing, gloves, socks and warm footwear is essential. “Hydration should not be ignored in winter. Warm water, soups and herbal teas are good choices,” he said.
He urged patients to limit salty snacks, fried foods and sweets while choosing winter vegetables like spinach, broccoli, carrot, beetroot and methi. “Do not skip medications. Maintain your routine even during holidays,” Dr. Kumar emphasised.
Concluding his advisory, he said, “Winter can make hypertension and diabetes more difficult to control. But with the right lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring, you can stay healthy and enjoy the season.”
