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Contents
  • Understanding Exercise-Induced Hypoglycemia
  • Pre-Exercise Preparations
  • Post-Exercise Actions

Exercise and Diabetes: How to Avoid the Hypoglycemia Trap!

Exercise and Diabetes: How to Avoid the Hypoglycemia Trap!

The Big Picture

Exercise is great for managing diabetes, but it can sometimes lead to hypoglycemia. Here’s how to stay active without the worry.
Contents
  • Understanding Exercise-Induced Hypoglycemia
  • Pre-Exercise Preparations
  • Post-Exercise Actions

Understanding Exercise-Induced Hypoglycemia

Exercise increases glucose utilization by muscles, potentially causing hypoglycemia. This is especially true for individuals with insulin-treated diabetes. To prevent this, it’s important to understand how exercise affects your blood sugar levels.

Pre-Exercise Preparations

Checking blood sugar levels before exercise is crucial. If levels are low, eating a carbohydrate-rich snack can prevent hypoglycemia. Planning your meals and insulin doses around your exercise routine helps maintain stable blood sugar.
A condition where exercise leads to lower blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with insulin-treated diabetes.

Post-Exercise Actions

After exercising, it’s important to monitor blood sugar levels to catch any delayed hypoglycemia. Consuming a balanced snack post-exercise can stabilize glucose levels. Staying vigilant for several hours after physical activity is key.

FAQs

Why does exercise cause hypoglycemia?

Exercise increases glucose use by muscles, leading to lower blood sugar.

Should I eat before exercising?

Yes, a carbohydrate snack can prevent low blood sugar during exercise.

What about after exercise?

Monitor your levels and eat a balanced snack to stabilize blood sugar.

Is it important to check levels before exercise?

Yes, checking levels helps tailor your exercise and meal plans.

Key Takeaways

Understanding your body’s response to exercise helps prevent hypoglycemia.
Get started: Talk with Doctronic to create an exercise plan that suits your diabetes management needs.
Additional References
  1. Riddell MC, Gallen IW, Smart CE, et al. Exercise management in type 1 diabetes: a consensus statement. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017; 5:377.
  2. Rickels MR, DuBose SN, Toschi E, et al. Mini-Dose Glucagon as a Novel Approach to Prevent Exercise-Induced Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2018; 41:1909.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.