When you exercise, your body uses both circulating and stored supplies of glucose to provide energy to your muscles. When glucose levels are depleted, your body uses your fat as an alternate source of energy. If you have type I diabetes and you do not have enough insulin, your blood glucose becomes elevated but cannot be used for energy. Your body will tap into your fat stores, producing acid by-products that build up in your bloodstream. If left untreated, this can lead to a condition called ketoacidosis.
Exercise and Ketones
Your health care provider will help you understand the signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis and how you should monitor your blood sugar and ketones, if necessary, prior to exercise. The Joslin Diabetic Center recommends testing your blood sugar prior to planned exercise and also monitoring for ketones if your blood sugar is above 250 mg/dl. Exercise should not be done with a blood glucose in this range with positive ketones.
Signs of Ketoacidosis
If you are diabetic and experience unusual thirst, increased urination, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath or a fruity odor on your breath, ketones might be in your bloodstream. Checking your blood sugar and ketones is advised. You should contact your health care provider for any questions. If left untreated, ketoacidosis can be life-threatening.
Exercise and Diabetes
Exercise is considered a valuable part of any diabetic program for your overall health and is encouraged for the diabetic person. MayoClinic.com provides guidelines for monitoring your blood sugar and exercise. Those experts also suggest that if you have a blood sugar above 250 mg/dl, you should check your ketones. If they are elevated, delay exercise and hydrate. Continue to monitor your blood sugar and ketones, seeking medical care if you are not able to control them.
Exercise Plan
Understanding how your body responds to exercise is essential. Recording your blood sugar levels prior to and after exercise can help you develop your exercise regime. If you check your ketones because of a high blood sugar level, this information will also help you understand and better manage your diabetes prior to exercise.
