Exercise is encouraged for individuals with diabetes because it typically helps lower high blood sugar and aids the body in using insulin more efficiently. Sometimes exercise can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which can cause dizziness, confusion or shakiness. Monitoring your glucose level before, during and after your workouts can help you maintain a steady blood sugar level. Talk with your doctor about your workout routine and how exercise may affect your blood sugar, and what you can do to minimize any significant highs or lows.
Step 1
Eat before you exercise, especially if you anticipate a strenuous workout. Baptist Memorial Health Care recommends eating a meal or snack 30 to 60 minutes before exercising. If you are exercising for only a short time, liquids help stabilize your blood sugar for about 30 to 60 minutes; solid foods help keep your blood sugar up for two to three hours.
Step 2
Check your blood sugar every half hour during long workouts or when you are trying a different sport. MayoClinic.com explains that with a new sport, you may not know the intensity of the activity and your blood sugar may be affected in different ways, depending on your level of exertion.
Step 3
Drink a half cup of fruit juice or regular soda during exercise if your blood sugar is low. This can help boost your glucose level. Check your blood sugar every 15 minutes until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dL, states MayoClinic.com.
Step 4
Pack snacks such as small boxes of raisins or hard candies in your workout bag. If you are not near your bag, you may want to put a snack in a pocket for easy access. Glucose tablets are another option.
Step 5
Talk with your doctor about whether changing the insulin dose prior to exercise or changing the injection site may benefit you. Changing where you inject the insulin can affect how fast your body can absorb the insulin, according to Baptist Memorial Health Care.
Tips and Warnings
- Track your glucose level before, during and after exercise, to get an idea of how different kinds of exercise generally affect your blood sugar. This can help you plan snacks and get an idea of what to expect.
- Before starting an exercise routine, talk with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to do so. If you are having trouble keeping your blood sugar up, see your health care provider to find out any underlying causes. Do not change your insulin routine or injection site without first consulting your doctor.
