It seems like everyone I know goes to a gym or participates in some type of regular exercise program. For most of us, that just means doing a little stretching and then off you go to the weight room, treadmill, elliptical etc. But for those people with diabetes, a lot of thought and preparation should be done before exercising. Exercise will lower blood sugar, and since insulin is more effective during exercise, a dangerous drop in blood sugar can occur.
The University of Michigan Health System offers these tips for people with diabetes to maintain healthy blood sugar levels when exercising:
1. Check your blood sugar before and after exercise -- and during if you can -- and record your results.
2. If you are going to exercise strenuously, make sure you eat a meal first.
3. Keep snacks -- especially some with sugar -- on hand when you exercise.
4. Talk to your doctor about possibly adjusting your insulin dose for exercise.
5. Don't inject insulin into a part of the body that will be strenuously used during exercise, as it will absorb more quickly. For example, if you will run, inject your abdomen instead of your leg.
And here's a tip from me: if you're just starting to exercise, don't overdo it. Gradually increase your time on cardio equipment and gradually increase your weights for weight training. Good Luck!
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