“What are those beans you brought for lunch the other day?” asks a colleague.
“Chickpeas,” I respond.
“They were delicious, and I actually think one can make them to replace meat,” he says.
“Yes, you can. Let me send you some of the recipes I’ve seen. You can make butter chickpea curry...”
Our conversation then moved to eating healthier foods and exercising more because ku rough, hey.
With temperatures dropping, one may be tempted to eat more comfort food and unhealthy snacks in between meals.
The colder weather also tends to make people miss their exercise routines quite a lot.
But when you have a chronic illness like diabetes and suffer from joint pain, you might want to rethink that.
Affinity Health CEO Murray Hewlett says colder weather can affect joint health.
“Cold weather causes muscles and ligaments to tighten, making joints feel stiff and harder to move. The drop in barometric pressure may also cause tissues around the joints to expand slightly, increasing pain in already sensitive areas,” says Hewlett.
“Another issue is movement. People tend to be less active in winter, and not using your joints regularly can cause them to stiffen up even more. Cold weather also reduces blood flow, especially to areas like your knees, hips, feet and hands. This can make joints feel painful, particularly in the morning or after resting.
“This isn’t just a coincidence. There are medical reasons why joint discomfort can become more noticeable during the colder months. Changes in air pressure, moving less in colder weather, and how your body reacts to the cold can worsen joint pain. Knowing what causes the discomfort can help you manage the pain and feel better.”
He says joint pain isn’t just caused by the cold weather.
“It’s also linked to lifestyle changes. People tend to move less when they stay inside, which can lead to stiffness. Drinking less water can reduce joint lubrication, making movement more uncomfortable. Comfort eating and less activity may cause weight gain, putting extra strain on joints. Plus, with less sunlight, vitamin D levels can drop, which affects bone and joint health.
“You don’t have to suffer through joint pain every winter. With the correct information, minor lifestyle changes and proper care, it’s possible to manage the pain and keep moving. By understanding what causes joint pain and focusing on prevention, people of all ages can take charge of their joint health this winter.”
Hewlett says people living with diabetes may also find their usual routines disrupted.
“Cold weather, seasonal illnesses, comfort food cravings, and changes in physical activity can all contribute to making diabetes more difficult to manage. Whether you’re living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, understanding how winter affects your condition and how to stay ahead of it can make a big difference,” Hewlett says.
“Cold temperatures may trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can raise blood sugar levels. At the same time, people are often less physically active and more likely to eat heavier, carbohydrate-rich meals during winter, which can affect blood glucose control and make diabetes more complicated to manage.
“The body’s response to cold stress can result in a spike in blood sugar levels. In freezing conditions, your body works harder to stay warm, increasing hormone production and making it more difficult for insulin to work effectively. For people who use insulin or other diabetes medications, this could mean adjusting dosages or monitoring blood glucose more frequently.”
He advises that you keep moving even when it’s cold.
“Cold, dark days can make it hard to stay active but regular movement is important for managing blood sugar. Sitting too much can lead to insulin resistance and higher glucose levels. Even simple indoor activities, like walking around the house or using water bottles as weights, can help keep your blood sugar steady.
“Avoid winter illnesses. Getting sick with a cold or flu can wreak havoc on blood sugar levels. The body’s immune response to infection can drive blood glucose higher. Illness also tends to reduce appetite or hydration, which can cause problems for people using insulin or other diabetes medications.
“Many people reach for rich, carb-heavy comfort foods in winter, which can raise blood sugar. The good news is that plenty of seasonal vegetables, such as spinach, butternut, cabbage, broccoli and sweet potatoes, are tasty and diabetes-friendly when cooked with little added fat or sugar.
“Try using these ingredients to make hearty soups and stews. Pair them with lean proteins and whole grains for warm, balanced meals that help keep your blood sugar steady.”
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