Exercise Tips
- Drink extra fluid before, during (only if prolonged exercise) and
after exercise to avoid dehydration.
The fluid may be water, or a sweetened drink if extra carbohydrate
is required. 250 ml every 15 minutes or one litre of fluid per hour
is recommended.
- Take care of your feet
Wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes.
Always inspect your feet before and after exercise.
Ulcers or other lesions on the feet are a serious danger for people
with diabetes. It is important to avoid foot damage especially for
middle-aged and elderly people. It is wise for them to avoid
exercise that causes stress to the feet (e.g. running).
Exercise which poses minimal weight or stress on the feet is ideal
such as riding an exercise bike or brisk walking in good footwear)
* See Diabetes and your Feet
- Take extra carbohydrate before and during exercise to prevent
hypoglycaemia.
* See Hypoglycaemia
Extra carbohydrate is often needed after exercise.
Monitor your blood glucose levels before, if possible during (at
least initially), and after exercise to assess your requirements for
extra food.
Discuss adjusting carbohydrate intake with your dietitian.
- Adjust insulin and medication.
It may be necessary to reduce your insulin dose prior to exercise.
Insulin adjustment varies with each individual. Discuss appropriate
adjustments to suit your exercise schedule with your doctor or
diabetes educator.
- Wear sun block when exercising outdoors
Advice for people with Type 1 diabetes
- If your diabetes is poorly controlled (i.e. fasting blood glucose
levels greater than 14 mmol/L and urinary ketones) then it is best
to avoid exercise until your blood glucose has settled.
- Exercise in these circumstances can actually elevate a high blood
glucose and increase ketone production.
Advice for people with Type 2 diabetes
- Regular exercise is an important part of your management.
- It will help your insulin to work more efficiently and assist with
your blood glucose control.
Diabetes & You The essential guide 1999
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