Why do some blood glucose levels go up after physical activity?
When a person exercises the muscles need more glucose to supply energy. For this to happen, the liver increases the amount of glucose it releases into the bloodstream. Remember that glucose needs insulin in order to be used by the muscles. If there is not enough insulin available, blood glucose levels can increase after exercise. The exercising muscle demands glucose to be poured into the bloodstream. If there is not enough insulin to unlock the door to the muscles, the glucose cannot get into the muscles to provide energy and back up in the bloodstream causing higher blood glucose readings
Safety tips for exercising with diabetes:
- Make sure your doctor has been consulted before starting an exercise program.
- Some people over the age of 35 may require a stress test before beginning a rigorous exercise program. Check with your doctor.
- Choose an exercise that you enjoy.
- Check blood sugars before and after exercise.
- Do not exercise if your blood sugar is over 250 mg/dl and you have ketones.
- To prevent low blood sugar reactions exercise 1 to 1.5 hours after eating.
- Carry a carbohydrate snack (juice, glucose tablets, etc.) with you.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Wear shoes that fit well.
- Type 1: If blood sugars are 300 or more, test 5-10 minutes after exercise, if the levels are dropping, you may continue. If not, stop exercising.
- Type 2: Do not exercise if blood sugars are 400 or greater.
Adapted from: www.joslin.org
Care you will love.
Table of contents
