How Can I Exercise Safely With Diabetes?

Do you keep an exercise schedule (you know the best time of day to exercise according to your meal and medication schedule)?

Do you check your blood sugar before, during and after exercise?

Do you know how to recognize the warning signs of low blood sugar (shivering, weakness, fatigue, hunger, dizziness, irritability, anxiety or confusion)?

Do you carry a small snack or glucose tablets with you during exercise in case your blood sugar level drops too low?

Do you drink enough water to stay hydrated during exercise (7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes)?

Do you wear a medical identification bracelet?

Have you talked to your doctor about the best exercise plan for you?

If you use insulin and change the intensity of your training, have you asked your doctor to teach you how to adjust your insulin dose before exercising?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you exercise safely with diabetes. When you exercise, your muscles use sugar (glucose) to produce energy, and your body uses insulin more efficiently. You can start with 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. You should talk to your doctor about what time of day is best for you to exercise because you need to coordinate your exercise routine with your meals and medication schedule. You should check your blood sugar level before, during and after exercise, and be aware of the warning signs of low blood sugar (shivering, weakness, hunger, irritability, confusion).

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to exercise safely with diabetes. If you use insulin and keep your blood sugar below 5.0 mmol / L, you should have a snack before exercising to prevent low blood sugar levels. Moreover, it would be good to always have a snack or glucose tablets with you, which you can take if your blood sugar drops too low during exercise. You should drink a lot of water to stay hydrated, because dehydration can seriously increase your blood sugar levels. If you train intensively, you should learn how to adjust the insulin dose before exercise to avoid delayed hypoglycemia.