In healthy individuals blood sugar levels will naturally fluctuate during exercise. These fluctuations are within the normal range -- 100 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL -- and are the result of the energy demands exercise places on your body. Diabetics have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels and are at risk for severe fluctuations outside the normal range. Due to these severe fluctuations, diabetics must take extra precautions to keep blood sugar levels stable during workouts. Consult your physician before starting an exercise program.
Step 1
Test your blood sugar levels 30 minutes prior to each exercise session and again one right before you start exercising. Ideally, your levels should remain between 100 and 250 mg/dL.
Step 2
Eat a carbohydrate-based snack if your blood sugar levels are below 100 mg/dL or if your levels drop between the two initial readings. Wait 15 minutes and take another reading. If your levels are still below 100 mg/dL, eat another snack and test after a 15-minute wait. Do not exercise until your levels are at least 100 mg/dL.
Step 3
Administer insulin if your levels are above 250 mg/dL. Wait 15 minutes and take another reading. If your levels are still above 150 mg/dL, administer more insulin and test after a 15-minute wait. Do not exercise until your levels are below 250 mg/dL.
Step 4
Carry glucose tablets with you to your workout session. If you experience the symptoms of low blood sugar -- dizziness, blurred vision, tremor and hunger -- stop exercising, take a glucose tablet immediately, wait 15 minutes and take a reading.
Step 5
Take a blood sugar reading every 30 minutes of you exercise for one hour or longer. If your levels are low or high, take corrective steps -- insulin or glucose, waiting, and additional readings -- before resuming.
Things You'll Need
- Blood sugar monitor and test strips
- Carbohydrate-based snack
- Insulin
- Glucose tablets
