Exercise and Blood Glucose Controlling diabetes means keeping a balance in what you eat, the medicines you take (if any) and exercising. The goal is to keep your blood glucose (sugar) as normal as possible. Exercise makes your insulin work harder. So, before you start an exercise program, check with your doctor. Your exercising should be part of a planned program that fits in with your diet and medicines. It is best to exercise about 1 – 3 hours after you have eaten. Because exercising can lower your blood sugar, you need to: • check your blood sugar before you exercise • watch for signs of low blood sugar as you exercise • be ready to check your blood glucose during exercise • check your blood glucose after you exercise Know when not to exercise, too
• I t is best not to exercise when your insulin is peaking (at its strongest). This can help you avoid low blood sugar. • If your blood sugar is over 300 mg/dl it may be unwise to exercise at all. If you want to try to exercise anyway, walk for 20 minutes and see if your blood sugars go up or down. If up, stop! Check with your doctor about this. • If your blood sugar is 100 mg/dl or lower, you need to eat a carbohydrate snack before you exercise. • If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood glucose is 250 mg/dl or higher, test for ketones. If you show moderate or large amounts of ketones, do not exercise. Copyright © 2001-2014 Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. DO NOT DUPLICATE.
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