The severe cold gripping Canada over a recent winter weekend may affect people with neuropathy more than most people.

According a news article in northumberlandnews.com, “People with medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and disease affecting blood vessels are at a greater risk for frost bite and hypothermia.”

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Winter’s cold is no joke, especially if you have a condition like neuropathy. The bitter chills that grip Canada over many winter weekends are reminders that some people are more vulnerable to cold weather than others, especially those with diabetes, blood vessel issues, or peripheral neuropathy. If you’re one of them, it’s crucial to understand how your condition might put you at risk for frostbite or hypothermia and, most importantly, how to protect yourself.

Why Does Winter Feel Worse for People with Neuropathy?

If you have peripheral neuropathy or autonomic neuropathy, winter may hit you harder than most other people. The cold affects your body’s ability to maintain and regulate temperature, which means you could be exposed to frostbite or hypothermia longer than you realize—especially if you can’t feel the cold in your extremities.

How To Stay Safe

• Tip #1: Keep a close eye on your hands and feet. Because neuropathy reduces sensation, you might not feel when your fingers and toes are freezing, putting you at risk for frostbite. Make it a habit to check your extremities frequently—before you go outside, every few hours, and before bed.
• Tip #2: Get regular check-ups with your neurologist to see how your neuropathy is affecting your body’s response to temperature. This gives you a proactive game plan for winter.

What You Need to Know

Autonomic neuropathy doesn’t just affect your sensation; it messes with how your body controls key functions like temperature regulation. When your body gets too cold, it should automatically start shivering to warm up—but if you have autonomic neuropathy, that response might not happen properly. That’s why people with this condition are at higher risk for hypothermia.

But it’s not just about the cold—if you have reduced blood flow due to poor circulation (often seen in diabetes or neuropathy), your body struggles to bring heat to your hands, feet, and face. So, while the rest of the world is feeling chilly, you might not notice your body’s temperature dropping until it’s too late.

How To Stay Safe

• Tip #3: Stay ahead of the cold. Layer up, including moisture-wicking inner layers, so you’re not just relying on your body’s natural response to keep you warm. Don’t forget about your feet! A good pair of heated insoles can make all the difference.
• Tip #4: Invest in a high-quality thermometer. The more accurate your temperature readings, the better you can protect yourself. If your extremities feel cold or numb, don’t assume it’s “just the weather”—check the temperature and adjust accordingly.

How To Prevent Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite happens when your skin and tissues freeze, and it can take a lot of damage before you even realize what’s going on. Early warning signs include tingling, numbness, and the skin turning red or blue. If you have neuropathy, you might miss these signs, especially if your feet or hands are numb or you don’t feel pain the way you should. The sooner you catch it, the less severe the damage.

Hypothermia happens when your body’s temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). You might not feel the classic symptoms—like shivering or cold feet—until it’s too late, so it’s essential to be proactive.

How To Stay Safe

• Tip #5: Limit your time outside. If you have neuropathy, it’s not just about managing the cold—it’s about avoiding exposure that could lead to serious damage. Even 30 minutes outside in freezing temperatures can do harm if you’re not careful.
• Tip #6: Wear a hat, scarf, gloves, and warm socks. These might seem like no-brainers, but they’re your best defense. When you keep your head, neck, and feet warm, you’re keeping your whole body insulated, reducing the chances of frostbite setting in. If you don’t have these essentials yet, invest in high-quality, insulating gear for both warmth and comfort.

Why Neuropathy Sufferers Are More at Risk

You might already know that nerve damage in the feet can make it harder to feel pain, but what you might not realize is that this also means you might not sense the cold until it’s too late. For those with autonomic neuropathy, the body can’t regulate temperature the way it should, which means you’re at an even higher risk of hypothermia.

As a result, the usual ways people know they’re getting too cold—like shivering or goosebumps—might not happen for you. That’s why it’s essential to stay vigilant. Checking your extremities regularly, wearing extra layers, and keeping a thermometer handy can be game-changers.

How To Stay Safe

• Tip #7: Stay hydrated and eat warm, nutritious meals. Cold weather can stress your body, but good hydration and food help keep your body’s core temperature stable. Hot teas, soups, and stews are excellent options, especially if you can’t feel your extremities as much.
• Tip #8: Find indoor activities that keep you moving. If you’re stuck inside, keep your blood circulating with light exercises like stretching or walking around your home. This can help boost your circulation, keep you warmer, and reduce the risk of frostbite when you go outside.

More Risk Factors You Should Know

If you have autonomic neuropathy, you may also experience anhidrosis, which is a lack of sweating. While that’s a problem when it’s hot outside, it can make things worse in the cold too. Your body can’t sweat to cool off when needed, and in cold weather, it can’t properly keep your body warm either. This dual problem increases your vulnerability to hypothermia.

Other common symptoms of autonomic neuropathy—such as dizziness, fainting, and nausea—are all signs that your body isn’t responding to the cold like it should. If you feel light-headed, it might be a sign that your blood pressure has dropped, and you could be at risk for hypothermia.

How To Stay Safe

• Tip #9: Have a checklist. Always remember: if you’re feeling faint, dizzy, or unusually tired in cold weather, stop what you’re doing and get inside as soon as possible. If you’re out and can’t get indoors immediately, look for a sheltered area where you can shield yourself from the wind and get warm.
• Tip #10: Stay in touch with a friend or family member when heading outdoors. Having someone check on you can be lifesaving, especially if you can’t feel frostbite setting in.

Keeping Safe During Winter

Winter can be a beautiful season, but it’s also full of dangers for people with neuropathy. By staying ahead of the curve and taking the right precautions, you can protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia, to make sure your winter is warm and safe. Pay close attention to how your body reacts to the cold and take regular precautions. Stay in touch with a healthcare provider to ensure you’re prepared for the chilly months ahead.

Remember, it’s about knowing your body’s limits and taking small steps to keep warm. Being vigilant when you can’t rely on your usual signs of discomfort may be a lifesaver.