Diabetes Education and Research Center
Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetes
Can I still exercise if I have diabetes?
Yes! Exercise actually helps you control your blood sugar level.
How does exercise help control my diabetes?
- Lowers your blood sugar.
- Helps your body use the insulin you may make to lower your blood sugar.
- Helps you lose weigh and have more energy.
- Keeps your heart and lungs strong.
What kind of exercises should I do?
Tips for exercising:
- Check your blood sugar before and after exercise. Record these numbers in your logbook.
- Never exercise with a low blood sugar level (below 70 mg/dl) without having a snack first.
- If your blood sugar is low after you exercise, have a snack.
- A good time to exercise is about one hour after a meal.
- Always stretch before you begin exercising to loosen up your muscles.
- Start slowly! Slowly increases the minutes your exercise.
- Wear Loose clothes.
- Wear comfortable sneakers or shoes and socks. Do not tie them too tightly.
- Drink water before, after, and during exercises.
- Tell people you are exercising with that you are a diabetic. Tell them what to do if you have a low blood sugar emergency.
- Bring a high-sugar food, like hard candy, with you in case you have a low blood sugar.
- Wear a diabetic ID bracelet or necklace.
- Always cool down (slow down the exercise) at the end of your exercise session.
When not to exercise:
- When you are sick.
- When your blood sugar level is above 240 mg/dl.
- If you have ketones in your urine.
What are ketones?
When your blood sugar is too high your body uses fat for energy. When this happens, ketones build up in your blood causing ketoacidosis. Too many ketones in your blood may make you feel sick, be out of breath, or have fruity-smelling breath. Ketoacidosis is a problem experienced mostly by people with Type 2 diabetes. It is very rare in people with Type 2 diabetes. If your blood sugar is above 240 mg/dl and you have ketones in your urine, do not exercise. Call your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how to treat your high blood sugar and when it is safe for you to exercise again.
Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Your doctor will help you decide what type of exercise is best for you.
Exercise forever! At least once a year, talk to your doctor or diabetes nurse educator about your exercise program and how to keep it up or improve.
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