Regular exercise should be a key part of a diabetic's health regimen and can aid in regulating blood glucose levels. However, low blood glucose, or hypoglycemia, may occur before, during and up to 24 hours after exercise in those with diabetes. Blood glucose below 70 mg/dl indicates an immediate need for intervention, such as the consumption of a quick snack. Constant monitoring plays a crucial role in preventing hypoglycemia before, during and after physical activity. Check with your health-care provider for more information on exercise and hypoglycemia.
Exercise and Blood Glucose
Physical activity has many health benefits for those suffering from diabetes, including maintaining healthy blood flow to the extremities, maintaining weight and encouraging mental alertness. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, or NDIC, of the National Institutes of Health states that a particular health benefit of physical activity involves lowering blood glucose levels. The NDIC states, however, that levels may fall too low as much as 24 hours after exercise. Contact your health-care provider for information on maintaining the proper balance of blood glucose while staying active.
Hypoglycemia Warnings
Hypoglycemia is a warning sign to a diabetic. The body releases the hormone epinephrine and other stress hormones during periods of low blood glucose. Signals of hypoglycemia include shakiness, sweating, anxiety and hunger, reports the NDIC. Due to the fact that insulin and oral diabetes medications lower blood glucose levels, a constant monitoring of blood glucose and eating habits are required to prevent hypoglycemia.
Low Sensitivity to Hypoglycemia
The NDIC reports that the early warning signs of low blood glucose are not present in some diabetics. The condition, known as hypoglycemia unawareness, occurs mostly in Type I diabetes but can occur in persons with Type II diabetes. The body stops releasing epinephrine when repeated hypoglycemic events change the body's natural rhythm of response to stress. The unawareness cycle may be broken by preventing hypoglycemic attacks completely for periods as short as a few weeks, according to the NDIC.
Recognizing Hypoglycemia
Exercise will increase muscle mass and decrease fat stores, allowing you to maintain your weight. Muscle cells utilize sugar stores, improving blood glucose levels, reports the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Sugar metabolizes at a higher rate during exercise, which can rapidly change blood glucose levels. The University reports that hypoglycemia may be difficult to recognize while exercising due to shared symptoms of sweating or light-headedness. Your health care provider may recommend that you check your blood glucose levels before and after physical activity.
Making Adjustments
Diabetics on insulin and oral diabetes medications may help prevent hypoglycemia by consuming a snack before exercise, according to the NDIC. A snack can be also helpful when blood glucose levels fall to below 100 mg/dl. Adjusting medication doses prior to exercise may also be suggested by a health-care provider. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics states that those with Type I diabetes may have to change their insulin and/or food intakes before and after exercise. Those with Type II diabetes can improve sensitivity to the body's own insulin with regular exercise several times per week.
