{"categories":"Condition,Person Group Concept,Person Group Concept,Anatomical structure,Anatomical structure","keywords":"Diagnosable condition,Diabetes mellitus,Age Concept,Adult,19 to 44 younger,Age Concept,Adult,45 to 64 middle,Body object,Pancreas,Body system,Endocrine system","abstract":"\u003cp\u003eDiabetes and exercise: Prevent problems by checking blood sugar before, during and after exercise.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Diabetes and exercise: When to monitor your blood sugar","body":"\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eExercise is a crucial component of diabetes management. Exercise can help you:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eImprove your blood sugar levels.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eBoost your overall fitness.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eManage your weight.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eReduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eImprove your well-being.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut diabetes and exercise pose unique challenges, too. To exercise safely, you'll need to track your blood sugar before, during and after physical activity. This will show you how your body responds to exercise, which can help you prevent potentially dangerous blood sugar fluctuations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eBefore exercise: Check your blood sugar before your workout\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eBefore jumping into a fitness program, get your doctor's OK to exercise \u0026mdash; especially if you've been inactive. Ask your doctor how activities you're contemplating might affect your blood sugar. Your doctor can also suggest the best time to exercise and explain the potential impact of medications on your blood sugar as you become more active.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor the best health benefits, experts recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderately intense physical activities such as:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eFast walking\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eLap swimming\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eBicycling\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eExperts also recommend that children \u0026mdash; even those with type 1 diabetes \u0026mdash; participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you're taking insulin or other medications that can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), test your blood sugar 15 to 30 minutes before exercising.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you don't take medications for your diabetes or you don't use medications commonly linked to low blood sugar levels, you probably won't need to take any special precautions prior to exercising. Check with your doctor.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBelow are some general guidelines for pre-exercise blood sugar levels. The measurements are expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLower than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L).\u003c/strong\u003e Your blood sugar may be too low to exercise safely. Eat a small snack containing 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates, such as fruit juice, fruit, crackers or even glucose tablets before you begin your workout.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 to 250 mg/dL (5.6 to 13.9 mmol/L).\u003c/strong\u003e You're good to go. For most people, this is a safe pre-exercise blood sugar range.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L) or higher.\u003c/strong\u003e This is a caution zone \u0026mdash; your blood sugar may be too high to exercise safely. Before exercising, test your urine for ketones \u0026mdash; substances made when your body breaks down fat for energy. The presence of ketones indicates that your body doesn't have enough insulin to control your blood sugar.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you exercise when you have a high level of ketones, you risk ketoacidosis \u0026mdash; a serious complication of diabetes that needs immediate treatment. Instead of exercising immediately, take measures to correct the high blood sugar levels and wait to exercise until your ketone test indicates an absence of ketones in your urine.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eDuring exercise: Watch for symptoms of low blood sugar\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring exercise, low blood sugar is sometimes a concern. If you're planning a long workout, check your blood sugar every 30 minutes \u0026mdash; especially if you're trying a new activity or increasing the intensity or duration of your workout. Checking every half-hour or so lets you know if your blood sugar level is stable, rising or falling, and whether it's safe to keep exercising.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis may be difficult if you're participating in outdoor activities or sports. But, this precaution is necessary until you know how your blood sugar responds to changes in your exercise habits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStop exercising if:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eYour blood sugar is 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) or lower\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eYou feel shaky, weak or confused\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eEat or drink something (with approximately 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate) to raise your blood sugar level, such as:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eGlucose tablets or gel (check the label to see how many grams of carbohydrate these contain)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e1/2 cup (4 ounces/118 milliliters) of fruit juice\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e1/2 cup (4 ounces/118 milliliters) of regular (NON-diet) soft drink\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eHard candy, jelly beans or candy corn (check the label to see how many grams of carbohydrate these contain)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecheck your blood sugar 15 minutes later. If it's still too low, have another 15 gram carbohydrate serving and test again 15 minutes later.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRepeat as needed until your blood sugar reaches at least 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). If you haven't finished your workout, you can continue once your blood sugar returns to a safe range.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eAfter exercise: Check your blood sugar again\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eCheck your blood sugar as soon as you finish exercising and again several times during the next few hours. Exercise draws on reserve sugar stored in your muscles and liver. As your body rebuilds these stores, it takes sugar from your blood.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe more strenuous your workout, the longer your blood sugar will be affected. Low blood sugar is possible even four to eight hours after exercise. Having a snack with slower-acting carbohydrates, such as a granola bar or trail mix, after your workout can help prevent a drop in your blood sugar.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you do have low blood sugar after exercise, eat a small carbohydrate-containing snack, such as fruit, crackers or glucose tablets, or drink a half-cup (4 ounces/118 milliliters) of fruit juice.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExercise is beneficial to your health in many ways, but if you have diabetes, testing your blood sugar before, during and after exercise may be just as important as the exercise itself.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e","doc_id":"ART-20045697","object_id":"32543ad0-57f5-49ba-953d-49f6806ea8bf","updated_at":"2018-12-20","meta_keywords":"","benefit_summary":"\u003cp\u003eExercise is an important part of any diabetes treatment plan. To avoid potential problems, check your blood sugar before, during and after exercise.\u003c/p\u003e","sections":{"":"\u003cp\u003eExercise is a crucial component of diabetes management. Exercise can help you:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eImprove your blood sugar levels.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eBoost your overall fitness.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eManage your weight.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eReduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eImprove your well-being.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut diabetes and exercise pose unique challenges, too. To exercise safely, you'll need to track your blood sugar before, during and after physical activity. This will show you how your body responds to exercise, which can help you prevent potentially dangerous blood sugar fluctuations.\u003c/p\u003e","Before exercise: Check your blood sugar before your workout":"\u003cp\u003eBefore jumping into a fitness program, get your doctor's OK to exercise \u0026mdash; especially if you've been inactive. Ask your doctor how activities you're contemplating might affect your blood sugar. Your doctor can also suggest the best time to exercise and explain the potential impact of medications on your blood sugar as you become more active.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor the best health benefits, experts recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderately intense physical activities such as:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eFast walking\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eLap swimming\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eBicycling\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eExperts also recommend that children \u0026mdash; even those with type 1 diabetes \u0026mdash; participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you're taking insulin or other medications that can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), test your blood sugar 15 to 30 minutes before exercising.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you don't take medications for your diabetes or you don't use medications commonly linked to low blood sugar levels, you probably won't need to take any special precautions prior to exercising. Check with your doctor.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBelow are some general guidelines for pre-exercise blood sugar levels. The measurements are expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLower than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L).\u003c/strong\u003e Your blood sugar may be too low to exercise safely. Eat a small snack containing 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates, such as fruit juice, fruit, crackers or even glucose tablets before you begin your workout.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 to 250 mg/dL (5.6 to 13.9 mmol/L).\u003c/strong\u003e You're good to go. For most people, this is a safe pre-exercise blood sugar range.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L) or higher.\u003c/strong\u003e This is a caution zone \u0026mdash; your blood sugar may be too high to exercise safely. Before exercising, test your urine for ketones \u0026mdash; substances made when your body breaks down fat for energy. The presence of ketones indicates that your body doesn't have enough insulin to control your blood sugar.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you exercise when you have a high level of ketones, you risk ketoacidosis \u0026mdash; a serious complication of diabetes that needs immediate treatment. Instead of exercising immediately, take measures to correct the high blood sugar levels and wait to exercise until your ketone test indicates an absence of ketones in your urine.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","During exercise: Watch for symptoms of low blood sugar":"\u003cp\u003eDuring exercise, low blood sugar is sometimes a concern. If you're planning a long workout, check your blood sugar every 30 minutes \u0026mdash; especially if you're trying a new activity or increasing the intensity or duration of your workout. Checking every half-hour or so lets you know if your blood sugar level is stable, rising or falling, and whether it's safe to keep exercising.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis may be difficult if you're participating in outdoor activities or sports. But, this precaution is necessary until you know how your blood sugar responds to changes in your exercise habits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStop exercising if:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eYour blood sugar is 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) or lower\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eYou feel shaky, weak or confused\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eEat or drink something (with approximately 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate) to raise your blood sugar level, such as:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eGlucose tablets or gel (check the label to see how many grams of carbohydrate these contain)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e1/2 cup (4 ounces/118 milliliters) of fruit juice\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e1/2 cup (4 ounces/118 milliliters) of regular (NON-diet) soft drink\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eHard candy, jelly beans or candy corn (check the label to see how many grams of carbohydrate these contain)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecheck your blood sugar 15 minutes later. If it's still too low, have another 15 gram carbohydrate serving and test again 15 minutes later.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRepeat as needed until your blood sugar reaches at least 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). If you haven't finished your workout, you can continue once your blood sugar returns to a safe range.\u003c/p\u003e","After exercise: Check your blood sugar again":"\u003cp\u003eCheck your blood sugar as soon as you finish exercising and again several times during the next few hours. Exercise draws on reserve sugar stored in your muscles and liver. As your body rebuilds these stores, it takes sugar from your blood.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe more strenuous your workout, the longer your blood sugar will be affected. Low blood sugar is possible even four to eight hours after exercise. Having a snack with slower-acting carbohydrates, such as a granola bar or trail mix, after your workout can help prevent a drop in your blood sugar.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you do have low blood sugar after exercise, eat a small carbohydrate-containing snack, such as fruit, crackers or glucose tablets, or drink a half-cup (4 ounces/118 milliliters) of fruit juice.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExercise is beneficial to your health in many ways, but if you have diabetes, testing your blood sugar before, during and after exercise may be just as important as the exercise itself.\u003c/p\u003e"},"has_flash":false,"flash_content_url":null,"flash_content_height":null,"flash_content_width":null}