Exercise increases insulin sensitivity, improves cardiovascular fitness and promotes a sense of well-being. If you have diabetes, plan to exercise one to three hours after eating, but not too close to bedtime, to prevent nighttime hypoglycemia. Johns Hopkins University explains that if your blood sugar level is higher than 250 mg/dL, exercise can increase glucose levels due to an increase in adrenaline. A safe glucose level for exercise is between 100 and 250 mg/dL, but you should check your glucose levels every 30 minutes during strenuous activity.
Step 1
Check your glucose level. If it is over 250 mg/dL, test for ketones in your urine. Ketones are an acid your body produces when burning fat rather than glucose for energy and is a sign that there is too little insulin available, according to U.S. News Health. You may exercise if there are no ketones present, advises the Joslin Diabetes Center.
Step 2
Begin to exercise if your blood sugar is under 300 and there are no ketones in your urine. Test your glucose level again five to 10 minutes after beginning to exercise. If your blood sugar is dropping, continue to exercise. Stop exercising if your glucose level is not dropping, states the Joslin Diabetes Center.
Step 3
Delay any physical activity if your blood sugar is above 300 or there are ketones present. MayoClinic.com warns that exercising with even moderate levels of ketones present puts you at risk for ketoacidosis, a serious complication that may be fatal if left untreated.
Step 4
Consult with your doctor if ketones are present for an extended period, or if you are having trouble lowering your glucose level.
Tips and Warnings
- Drink water and noncaloric beverages to help flush the ketones from your body. You may need to take more insulin to help lower you glucose level. Consult your doctor and continue to test your glucose level every two to three hours.
- Illness, stress and exhaustion may raise glucose levels. Do not exercise, adding even more stress, when your blood sugar is higher than 300 mg/dL.
References
- Johns Hopkins Health Alerts: Diabetes and Exercise -- Keeping Your Blood Glucose Levels in Check
- "U.S. News Health & World Report"; Type 1 Diabetes
- Joslin Diabetes Center: Why Do Blood Glucose Levels Sometimes Go Up after Physical Activity?
- Diabetes Teaching Center at the University of California, San Francisco: Exercise Guidelines & FAQs
- MayoClinic.com: Daibetes and Exercise
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetic Ketoacidosis
