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Type 1 Any link between diabetes and feeling cold?

Discussion in 'Ask A Question' started by andyfrith, Apr 11, 2022.

  1. andyfrith

    andyfrith · Newbie

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    Hi,

    I'm 36 years old and I've been a type 1 diabetic for nearly 20 years. In the last couple of years, I have started feeling quite cold, even in warm weather and a well heated house. It feels like an internal cold, rather than a response to the environment. At times it is just my hands feeling very cold, other times it is all over. Has anyone else ever experienced this?

    I've had numerous GP/consultant conversations about this, and have ruled out things like Raynaud's disease. I am on thyroxine for (what is now) an underactive thyroid, but my thyroid levels have been checked and are ok. Other things like iron levels have been checked as well.

    Could this be just something that diabetes can do over a long period? The various doctors I've spoken to don't seem to have any ideas, nor do they ever link it with my diabetes. It has been getting worse, and more irritating - so keen to hear of any ideas I can provide to my doctors!

    Thanks
    Andy
     
    #1 andyfrith, Apr 11, 2022 at 6:18 PM
  2. Soplewis12

    Soplewis12 Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    Interesting Andy, I'm 31 years type 1 with an underactive thyroid but blood levels just checked & I'm also OK. I am always cold with multi layers especially my hands. It'll be Interesting to see if anyone else experiences this. Mo
     
    #2 Soplewis12, Apr 11, 2022 at 6:46 PM
  3. h884

    h884 Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    Hi Andy

    I was diagnosed Type 1 about 2 1/2 years ago. I am also on thyroxine, have been since childhood. I am also a multi layer person.Will be interesting to hear if anyone is experiencing this
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    #3 h884, Apr 11, 2022 at 7:04 PM
  4. MrsA2

    MrsA2 Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    No idea if it's relevant or helps, but I'm a t2 and used to be a warm person. Since diagnosis and losing 3 stone, I'm now always cold, especially my feet. Whether is the diabetes, the weight loss, my age or anything else I have no idea!
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    #4 MrsA2, Apr 11, 2022 at 8:25 PM
  5. In Response

    In Response Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    I have had T1 for nearly 20 years. I weigh the same now as I did when diagnosed.
    I work from home and most of the time happy for my central heating to be set at 16 degrees during the day.
    In other words, I do not feel the cold especially.

    However, I do have Raynaud’s (possibly another autoimmune condition) so whilst my body is not cold, my extremities need added warmth to keep the blood flowing. I have hand warmers on my desk for this.
     
    #5 In Response, Apr 11, 2022 at 10:18 PM
  6. Hopeful34

    Hopeful34 Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    T1 for 55 years and I'm always cold in winter, especially my extremities. I wear multi layers. In summer my extremities are still cold, but I feel ill when it gets above about 22 degrees, it's as if my body doesn't regulate my temperature properly.
     
    #6 Hopeful34, Apr 11, 2022 at 10:31 PM
  7. Jaylee

    Jaylee Type 1 · Moderator
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    Hi,

    T1 for nearly 46 years. If I’m stood about in the cold regardless of what I wear, after a while I can feel it?
    But with activity, I can/need to remove the layers & quite happily stand resting afterwards in a tee shirt or thin layer out in the cold..
    Prepping for bed in winter I can feel cold but sometimes I can wake hot & need to remove the bed wear..

    It’s rare we need the heating on. Just to crank up when prepping for work on those early winter morns to take the chill off it.
    Even heating the van early mornings is just to loose the frost off the screen.

    It’s all pending on my activity level in the cold for me..
     
    #7 Jaylee, Apr 11, 2022 at 10:51 PM
  8. Erin

    Erin Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    I, too get temperature fluctuations, but I think it is due to the introduction to a new medication.
     
    #8 Erin, Apr 12, 2022 at 1:37 AM
  9. Lainie71

    Lainie71 Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    I am the same. my feet and hands and after a work out I am boiled but within an hour I a reaching for my hoodies and jumpers. It leaves me cold all day - the next day I am back to normal temperature. Hubby says its because a am a skinny minnie now lol
     
    #9 Lainie71, Apr 12, 2022 at 10:32 AM
  10. rochari

    rochari Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    Type 1 here of nearly 60 years and for as long as I remember feeling cold has been a constant pain in the neck. So many times folks around me complain of feeling warm when I am shivering. Yes I am thin but even layering up usually doesn't take that cold feeling away. Bill
     
    • Hug Hug x 1
    #10 rochari, Apr 12, 2022 at 4:03 PM
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