Having diabetes is no reason to side step exercise The main thing is to try and avoid the risks.
So what are the risks?
There is a chance that exercise or extra activity may make you hypo.
Extra activity uses the body’s sugar and will lower the blood sugar or blood glucose levels UNLESS the blood sugar is over 14mmol/l.
It is unwise to take part in strenuous exercise with high blood sugars as they may rise higher and make you hyperglycaemic.
So what is extra activity?
- A 2-hour game of football - Yes
- Staying up hours later than usual - No
- Cycling 2 miles to school every day - Yes
- An evening dancing at a disco - Yes
You will burn more sugar than you would lying in bed. Have slow rather than fast acting
carbohydrate to cover this, i.e. bread, fruit or cereal.
How to avoid Hypos...
Before sport, games and activities eat extra carbohydrates. It’s a great way to eat more and not feel guilty in the slightest!
For planned exercise like football, skiing or swimming, it may be better to cut your insulin dose. Try reducing the dose before exercise by 2 units. Check your blood sugar afterwards. Talk to your diabetes specialist who will advise you on the best way to get a good balance.
A lot of people find a combination of reducing their insulin dose and eating extra works well.
Always carry a hypo remedy when exercising, as the risk of becoming hypo at this time is greater.
When is the best time to eat extra carbohydrates?
Just before starting exercise
If exercise is unplanned, additional food can be taken during and afterwards.
Blood sugar can be lowered many hours after strenuous exercise - so do extra blood tests!!
Extra carbohydrates can be added to the meal or snack beforehand
With prolonged exercise such as cross-country running or dancing all night at a disco, you may need to take extra food before, during and after.
