One of the things that I learned in diabetes education sessions was to exercise more. It was, and still is sound advice, not just for diabetics but for everyone. As I begin my routine there are some extra things that I have to be conscious of.
I have an old workbook from The American Diabetes Association and I underlined a few of the points to remember when starting to exercise:
When I first began I had to know how my sugar levels ran, so I was told to check before and after I exercise. Because I am hypoglycemic, mine are usually on the higher side when I start, and afterwards, are generally lower than when I start.
Each person needs to check this for themselves of course, because I have heard of cases where after exercising levels go up.
The next thing I am cautious of is pushing for too long, or doing too much. I have to keep moderation in mind. The end result of too much of a good thing leads to low blood sugar and this is no fun either. If you start to feel really weak or light headed, let up and get a quick snack.
That brings me to something else to remember while exercising. When at home I have water, and a snack close by just in case. Carbohydrates are best. If I am away from home I take my water, and glucose tablets. As an extra safeguard I have my cell phone along also.
If you have low blood glucose when you are ready to exercise, try having a snack before you begin, or ask your doctor about adjusting your medication.
One more good idea is to exercise with someone else if your levels vary a lot. It’s more fun that way and if you have trouble, someone is there to help.
I have an old workbook from The American Diabetes Association and I underlined a few of the points to remember when starting to exercise:
When I first began I had to know how my sugar levels ran, so I was told to check before and after I exercise. Because I am hypoglycemic, mine are usually on the higher side when I start, and afterwards, are generally lower than when I start.
Each person needs to check this for themselves of course, because I have heard of cases where after exercising levels go up.
The next thing I am cautious of is pushing for too long, or doing too much. I have to keep moderation in mind. The end result of too much of a good thing leads to low blood sugar and this is no fun either. If you start to feel really weak or light headed, let up and get a quick snack.
That brings me to something else to remember while exercising. When at home I have water, and a snack close by just in case. Carbohydrates are best. If I am away from home I take my water, and glucose tablets. As an extra safeguard I have my cell phone along also.
If you have low blood glucose when you are ready to exercise, try having a snack before you begin, or ask your doctor about adjusting your medication.
One more good idea is to exercise with someone else if your levels vary a lot. It’s more fun that way and if you have trouble, someone is there to help.
No comments:
Post a Comment