Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Preventing Hypo- or Hyperglycemia During Exercise
Everyone knows that regular physical activity is essential for good health, and research continues to prove that's especially true if you have diabetes. An analysis of more than 100 studies involving nearly 10,500 participants found that individuals with diabetes who were physically active had lower HbA1c levels (the hemoglobin A1c test is used to assess blood glucose control of the previous two or three months) than those who did not exercise.
If you have diabetes and take insulin or oral medication, you need to protect against hypoglycemia (low glucose levels) while exercising. A less common problem is hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) that may occur immediately after exercise.
Here's how to avoid the lows:
- Check your blood glucose level beforehand. If your glucose is between 100 and 130 mg/dL and you have type 2 diabetes, it is safe to begin exercising. If glucose is lower than 100 mg/dL, have a carbohydrate snack such as a piece of fruit or three graham crackers before starting. Do not exercise if your blood glucose levels are 300 mg/dL or higher.
- Always have a source of fast-acting carbohydrate (such as glucose tablets or hard candies) with you when exercising.
- If you experience any symptoms of hypoglycemia (such as faintness, palpitations, or weakness), test your blood glucose levels immediately and have a snack if necessary.
- Since blood glucose levels can drop hours after exercise, test your levels immediately after exercise and again a few hours later.
As for hyperglycemia, people who take insulin -- especially those with type 1 diabetes -- are often surprised to find that their glucose level actually rises after exercise. Almost always, this happens when the exercise is very vigorous. It is considered to be due to an "adrenaline rush" that occurs with extreme exercise. It, too, can be followed some hours later by a blood glucose drop (hypoglycemia).
Posted in Diabetes on December 24, 2009
Reviewed January 2011
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
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