Guidelines for Glucose Levels in an Exercising Diabetic

 

Guidelines:

(1) Exercise 1-2 hours after eating. Avoid exercising during a peak insulin level.

(2) Check blood glucose before starting exercise.

(3) Have a form of fast acting glucose readily available at all times.

(4) Check the blood glucose if symptoms develop.

(5) Check the blood glucose 30 minutes after completing exercise.

(6) Inject insulin into an inactive or less active muscle.

 

Hyperglycemia:

(1) Do not exercise if:

(1a) the fasting glucose level is > 250 mg/dL and ketosis is present

(1b) the fasting glucose level is > 300 mg/dL and ketosis is absent

 

Hypoglycemia:

(1) Ingest 15 to 20 grams of carbohdyrate 15 to 30 minutes prior to exercise if glucose levels are < 100 mg/dL

(2) Ingest fast acting glucose if symptoms of hypoglycemia develop.

(3) Ingest fast acting glucose if the post-exercise glucose is < 60 mg/dL.