Director, Diabetes Translation Research Center. Director, Diabetes Translation Research Center Diabetes in the United. Diabetes in the United. States. States …
Diabetes and Exercise
Exercise can help control diabetes by helping to keep blood sugar levels normal When you exercise, you move your muscles Moving your muscles makes it easier for insulin in-sa-lin to get glucose glu-kose out of the blood and into your cells Glucose is also called sugar and is your bodys main source of energy Just like a car needs gas, your body needs glucose to work well Exercise can also help: control your weight lower your blood pressure keep your heart healthy help you sleep better lower stress
Guidelines for safe exercising with diabetes
1 Talk with your doctor about what type of exercise is best for you 2 Test your blood sugar before you start exercising If your blood sugar is lower than 100, eat a snack like fruit or half a sandwich, so your blood sugar does not go too low Do not exercise if your blood sugar is over 250 Your blood sugar is too high and exercising can make it go higher
3 Exercise can make your blood sugar go too low Low blood sugar is also known as hypoglycemia hi-po-gli-sea-me-a These signs may mean your blood sugar is too low: Feeling weak or tired Feeling hungry Feeling sweaty Feeling shaky Having a fast heart beat Feeling
dizzy 4 Carry some food with you, like a piece of fruit, a juice box, 4 or 5 pieces of hard candy, or glucose tablets Eat the food if you feel like you are having symptoms of low blood sugar 5 Try to exercise every day If you can not exercise every day, try to exercise every other day Its okay to start slow and work up to at least 30 minutes each day 5 Wear something that says you have diabetes, like a necklace, bracelet or shoe tag You can purchase these items at your local drugstore If you would like to learn more about diabetes, contact the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland Ask to talk with an educator 3601 Green Road, 100; Cleveland, OH 44122 216-591-0800 Visit our website at: wwwdagcorg
Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland 10/2001 rev 9 / 2008
