Exercise's Effects on Diabetes

Patients who are taking medications that lower blood glucose, particularly insulin, should take special precautions before embarking on a workout program.

• Glucose levels swing dramatically during exercise, people with diabetes should monitor their levels carefully before, during, and after workouts.
• Patients should probably avoid exercise if glucose levels are above 300 mg/dL or under 100 mg/dL.
• To avoid hypoglycemia, diabetics should inject insulin in sites away from the muscles they use the most during exercise.
• They should also drink plenty of fluids. Before exercising, they should also avoid alcohol, which increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Insulin-dependent athletes may need to decrease insulin doses or take in more carbohydrates prior to exercise but may need to take an extra dose of insulin after exercise. Stress hormones released during exercise may increase blood glucose levels, in non-diabetics insulin is released to control this. A person with diabetes must regularly test their blood sugar and take any medications as instructed by their doctor.