If you have high blood glucose you may have prediabetes or diabetes. Exercise is recommended to help with high blood glucose in many cases, but there are some activities that may cause blood glucose to rise. Monitor your blood glucose prior to, during and following any physical activity. Always treat high or low blood glucose appropriately according to your readings.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is beneficial if you have diabetes because it helps lower blood glucose. If you have type 1 diabetes you may need less insulin, and if you have type II diabetes you may be able to control the condition without medication. As muscles work during exercise, they get energy from the glucose stored in muscle cells as glycogen. When glycogen supplies run low, glucose from the bloodstream is used as energy. After exercise, the body replaces glycogen stores, which lowers blood glucose levels even several hours later.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
Exercise requires planning and frequent monitoring so you make sure your blood glucose is not too high or too low for exercise. Check your glucose 30 minutes before exercise and again immediately before exercise to make sure you are at a safe level. According to the Mayo Clinic, a safe blood glucose level for exercise is between 100 mg/dL and 250 mg/dL. If your blood glucose is below 100 mg/dL, eat a small snack such as fruit or crackers before you exercise. If your blood glucose is 250 mg/dL or higher, test your urine ketones by contacting your doctor or using a home testing kit. Excess ketones mean your body doesn't have enough insulin. If you exercise when your blood glucose and ketones are high, your blood glucose might rise. Monitor your blood glucose every 30 minutes if you exercise longer than an hour and after exercise so you make sure your blood glucose is not too high or too low.
Exercise and High Blood Glucose
Exercise usually lowers blood glucose, but in some cases it can cause glucose levels to rise. Certain types of vigorous exercise or competitive activities may raise glucose levels. This is because the liver is stimulated to release extra glucose into the bloodstream in response to an increase in adrenaline. For example, someone about to run a race or getting ready to play a competitive basketball game might experience a surge of adrenaline, which may temporarily cause blood glucose to rise. Exercise might cause blood glucose to rise when your level is over 250 mg/dL before exercise, indicating insulin activity is too low.
Diabetic Children and Exercise
Exercise benefits children with diabetes just like adults. According to the KidsHealth website, your child should exercise 60 minutes a day five or six days a week. Take your child to the doctor for a thorough physical before he starts playing a sport or getting involved in a new exercise regimen. When children exercise they can experience low or high blood glucose for the same reasons as adults. Your doctor will probably give you monitoring instructions and information about how to handle low and high blood glucose levels related to exercise.
