With diabetes, exercise is very important: the advice is to be (moderately) active for at least 30 minutes five days a week, whether that is walking, cycling, heavier housework or strength training. Exercise increases insulin sensitivity and so lowers your blood sugar level.
Risk of a hypo or hyper
If your medication or insulin is not properly matched to your activity, your blood sugar can drop too low (a hypo), sometimes as much as 24 to 48 hours after exercising. Blood sugar that is too high (a hyper) also happens. If you notice your readings are often off around exercise, talk to your GP or dietitian.
What should you watch for?
- Check your blood sugar before and after exercise.
- Tell the people you exercise with that you have diabetes.
- Don't exercise when your blood sugar is low (below 5 mmol/l) or too high (above 16 mmol/l).
- Always carry fast-acting sugars, such as dextrose tablets or a sports drink.
- If your blood sugar is too low, take 20 g of fast-acting sugars.
- During heavy exertion, drink 1.5 to 2 litres per hour and check your levels regularly.