Research has shown that the risk of death for diabetes patients increases by 40% when a cold wave occurs, as temperatures drop sharply in winter. The cold leads to decreased vascular function and increased blood sugar variability, resulting in a 27% higher risk of worsening diabetes complications, necessitating special attention from patients.
A research team led by Professor Oh In-hwan from the University of Ulsan's Asan Medical Center recently published a comprehensive analysis of eight research papers examining the relationship between cold wave exposure and diabetes conducted in various countries around the world. The findings were published in the latest issue of the international journal Frontiers in Public Health.
After adjusting the cold wave criteria for different climate zones and analyzing various papers, the research team confirmed that cold waves increase the risk of death for diabetes patients by 40%, and the occurrence and worsening risk of fatal complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke also increased by 27%.
While the impact of environmental factors on diabetes has primarily focused on heat waves, this study has demonstrated that cold waves are also a critical survival variable. Considering that the number of diabetes patients in the country exceeds 6 million, cold waves have already become a significant social health risk factor.
The research team identified three main reasons why cold waves are deadly for diabetes patients. First is the issue of vascular response. When exposed to cold, the human body constricts peripheral blood vessels to prevent heat loss, and diabetes patients, whose vascular function is already compromised, experience a rapid increase in blood pressure variability and cardiovascular strain. This heightens the likelihood of serious complications such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
Instability in metabolic function is also a major cause. Extreme cold decreases insulin sensitivity and activates the sympathetic nervous system. During this process, the secretion of stress hormones increases, promoting blood sugar elevation and inflammatory responses.
Additionally, changes in living conditions due to cold waves, which reduce physical activity and decrease healthcare access for the elderly, have been analyzed as factors contributing to disease deterioration. In other words, as the weather gets colder, it becomes more difficult for the elderly to visit hospitals or they may postpone their visits.
The research team stated in the paper, "Given the potential for the frequency and intensity of extreme cold waves to increase due to climate change, it is essential to link weather warning systems with diabetes registration systems and strengthen community-based monitoring for high-risk patients during cold waves to enhance tailored responses for diabetes patients."
Professor Oh In-hwan advised, "If you have diabetes or are in a high-risk group for complications, you should maintain an appropriate indoor temperature during cold waves, avoid sudden exposure to the cold, and monitor your blood sugar more carefully than usual."
Professor Kim Kyung-nam from Ajou University School of Medicine noted, "In mid-latitude regions, including Seoul, Shanghai, and New York, the health impacts of cold waves or low temperatures are estimated to be much greater than those of heat waves," adding, "Considering the global increase in the elderly population and diabetes prevalence, continuous attention and preparation for cold waves or low temperatures are necessary."
