Can I exercise any time I want?

Ask your health care team about the best time of day for you to exercise. Consider your daily
schedule, your meal plan, and your diabetes medications in deciding when to exercise.

 

If you exercise when your blood glucose is above 300, your level can go even higher. It’s best
not to exercise until your blood glucose is lower. Also, exercise is not recommended if your
fasting blood glucose is above 250 and you have ketones in your urine.

Are there any types of physical activity I shouldn’t do?

If you have diabetes complications, some exercises can make your problems worse. For
example, activities that increase the pressure in the blood vessels of your eyes, such as lifting
heavy weights, can make diabetic eye problems worse. If nerve damage from diabetes has
made your feet numb, your doctor may suggest that you try swimming instead of walking for
aerobic exercise.

 

Numbness means that you may not feel any pain from sores or blisters on your feet and so
may not notice them. Then they can get worse and lead to more serious problems. Make sure
you exercise in cotton socks and comfortable, well-fitting shoes that are designed for the
activity you are doing. After you exercise, check your feet for cuts, sores, bumps, or redness.
Call your doctor if any foot problems develop.

Can physical activity cause low blood glucose?

Physical activity can cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) in people who take insulin or
certain diabetes pills, including sulfonylureas and meglitinides. Ask your health care team
whether your diabetes pills can cause hypoglycemia. Some types of diabetes pills do not.

 

Hypoglycemia can happen while you exercise, right afterward, or even up to a day later. It can
make you feel shaky, weak, confused, irritable, hungry, or tired. You may sweat a lot or get a
headache. If your blood glucose drops too low, you could pass out or have a seizure.

 

However, you should still be physically active. These steps can help you be prepared for
hypoglycemia:

 

Before Exercise

• Be careful about exercising if you have skipped a recent meal. Check your blood glucose. If
  it’s below 100, have a small snack.
• If you take insulin, ask your health care team whether you should change your dosage
  before you exercise.

During Exercise

• Wear your medical identification or other ID.
• Always carry food or glucose tablets so that you’ll be ready to treat hypoglycemia.
• If you’ll be exercising for more than an hour, check your blood glucose at regular intervals.
• You may need snacks before you finish.

After Exercise

• Check to see how exercise affected your blood glucose level.