Navigating Seasonal Shifts with Type 1 Diabetes

Life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a constant dance between control and chaos—and the seasons don’t always make it easier. From sun-soaked summer days to winter's long, dark nights, seasonal change has a way of nudging (or shoving) our routines off track. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the temperature. It’s about how our bodies, minds, and daily rhythms respond to it all.

If you’ve ever noticed your glucose levels acting up during a heat wave or felt the weight of diabetes burnout in January, you’re not alone. Let’s unpack what’s really happening—and how to ride the waves with ease.

How Weather Messes with Blood Glucose

Believe it or not, your insulin doesn’t behave the same way in July as it does in December.

Warm temperatures can increase blood flow, causing insulin to absorb more quickly—and potentially dropping your glucose levels faster than expected¹. That spontaneous summer walk or swim? It might hit harder than you think.

The Pod has an IP28 rating for up to 7.6 meters for 60 minutes.

On the flip side, colder months can bring a bit of insulin resistance². You might be less active, eat heavier meals, and see more stubborn highs—all without changing a thing in your routine.

The key? Look for patterns. If you notice you're going low more often when it's hot or fighting highs in the cold, you might need to adjust your insulin—or at least keep a closer eye on your trends.

New Seasons, New Schedules (or None at All)

Summer break, back-to-school, holidays... even small changes in your daily routine can impact glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes loves consistency—but real life doesn’t always co-operate.

🌞Summer often means travel, irregular meals, and more activities.
🍂Fall brings school schedules, cooler temps, and often more structure.
⛄ Winter can be cozy and comforting—or stressful and sedentary.
🌱 Spring might offer a reset: more energy, and maybe renewed motivation.

No season is better or worse—they just bring different challenges. And the more flexible you are with how you approach those changes, the better you can adapt.

Mood Swings: Not Just Your Blood Sugar

There’s no separating diabetes and mental health—and seasonal shifts can churn the waters just beneath the surface.

Colder, darker days are linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can make diabetes management feel heavier³. Even if you’re not dealing with full-blown depression, the winter blues can affect motivation, focus, and the energy it takes to manage type 1 diabetes.

Summer, meanwhile, might bring more socialising, later nights, or different eating/drinking patterns—which can also throw off your balance. Longer days can improve mood and boost activity, but irregular sleep or skipped meals can send glucose levels on a rollercoaster ride.

Checking in with how you feel, not just what your levels are, is crucial. And if you're overwhelmed, it's okay to ask for help—from your diabetes team, a therapist, or someone who just gets it.

Tips to Move Through It All

No matter the season, here are a few ways to stay grounded:

1. Review your insulin needs when the weather changes.
2. Use your tech (if you have it). Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) trend arrows, insulin pumps, or automated systems, like Omnipod^® 5, can help you spot seasonal patterns.
3. Move in ways that work for the season. Hot outside? Try yoga indoors. Snowed in? Ten minutes of stretching counts.
4. Create rituals that help you reset. That might mean a spring pantry cleanout, a new winter recipe, or just journaling how your diabetes feels this season.

You’re Not Meant to Stay the Same

Type 1 diabetes is never static—and neither are you. You’re allowed to evolve with the seasons. Your needs will shift, your numbers will vary, and that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you're human.

So as the world outside changes, let it be permission to check in with yourself. What’s working? What’s not? What can you let go of?

Change doesn’t have to be a setback. Sometimes, it’s just a signal to meet yourself—right where you are.

This blog post is not a substitute for medical advice and/or services from a healthcare provider. This blog post is not to be relied upon in any way in connection with your personal health care related decisions and treatment.

References

^{1- Campbell, M.D., et al. (2017). Impact of climate and seasonality on glycemic control in type 1 diabetes. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology.}
^{Diabetes and climate change: current evidence and implications for people with diabetes, clinicians and policy stakeholders - PMC}

^2-^{Winter and Insulin: Cold Weather Tips for T1D Management}

^{3- Diabetes UK. (2023). Diabetes and mental health. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/emotions}