Diabetes and Exercise: Preventing and treating hypoglycemia
Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, understanding how to prevent and treat hypoglycemia during and after exercise with diabetes is crucial for safety and uninterrupted workouts. Continue reading to learn more about why exercise can cause hypoglycemia and discover effective strategies to prevent and treat during and after physical activity.
Why does exercise cause hypoglycemia?
Exercise can potentially lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, in individuals with diabetes due to various factors occurring during the time of activity. The most common occurrences of exercise-induced hypoglycemia are caused by:
Too much active insulin
When engaging in physical activity, both insulin sensitivity and muscle glucose uptake increase which naturally lowers blood sugar levels. For people with insulin-dependent diabetes, if there is too much circulating insulin, it can further intensify the decrease in blood sugar levels leading to severe hypoglycemia or low blood sugar episodes.
Not enough carbohydrate intake
Without sufficient carbohydrate intake, there may not be enough glucose available to meet the increased energy needs during exercise which can result in hypoglycemia.
Timing and duration of exercise
The risk of hypoglycemia can vary depending on the timing, duration and intensity of the exercise. Sudden or prolonged physical activity, especially without taking appropriate adjustments in advance like insulin or carbohydrate intake, can increase the likelihood of experiencing a hypoglycemic episode.
How do you prevent hypoglycemic episodes during and after exercise?
To prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia, individuals with diabetes should take proper precautions that includes:
- Monitoring blood sugar levels closely before, during and after exercise
- Exercise with as little active insulin as possible
- Experiment with increased intensity or shorter duration workouts
- Have a snack prior to working out, if exercising with active insulin or prolonged workouts
Hypoglycemia episodes may still occur when attempting to find preventive measures. If you encounter a hypoglycemic episode at any time, it is crucial to stop working out immediately and treat your low blood sugar as quickly as possible.
How can you treat hypoglycemia quickly during or after exercise?
Treating hypoglycemic quickly during or after exercise is essential for restoring blood sugar levels to a safe range. If you are experiencing a hypoglycemic episode during or after exercise, here are the steps you can take to bring blood sugar levels back into a healthy range:
Consume fast-acting carbohydrates
Have sources of fast-acting carbohydrates readily available such as Transcend Glucose Gels during and after exercise to bring blood sugar levels back into a safe range as quickly as possible.
Rest and wait
Stop engaging in physical activity immediately if you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia and rest. Avoid continuing to exercise until blood sugar levels have returned to a safe range.
Monitor blood sugar levels
If experiencing a low blood sugar episode during exercise, check blood sugar levels using a glucose meter to ensure it is trending in an upwards direction.
Recheck and repeat, if needed
If your blood sugar level remains low after 15-20 minutes of treatment, you may want to consume another source of fast-acting carbohydrates or a small snack that combines carbohydrates and protein to prevent another drop in blood sugar.
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing hypoglycemia during or after exercise, as individual responses to low blood sugars can vary. Adjustments to medications, meal timing, or exercise routine might be necessary to prevent future episodes of hypoglycemia.
Summary
By understanding how their bodies will react to different types of physical activities, individuals managing diabetes can proactively prepare themselves and confidently engage in various forms of exercise by decreasing the risk of hypoglycemic episodes.
Resources:
- https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/blood-glucose-and-exercise
- https://www.diabetesmotion.com/adjusting-insulin-doses
- https://www.diabetesmotion.com/adjusting-food-intake
- https://www.diabetesmotion.com/types-of-motion-matter
- https://www.diabetesmotion.com/trial-and-error-tips
- https://www.adces.org/danatech/glucose-monitoring/continuous-glucose-monitors-(cgm)/cgm-101/cgm-glossary/lag-time
- https://www.diabetesmotion.com/dealing-with-hypos
About Amanda Ciprich, MS, RD
Amanda Ciprich, a registered dietitian with a specialization in type 1 diabetes, was diagnosed with T1D herself at the age of 18. With her expertise and personal experience, she has authored two books, including "The Caregiver's Guide to Diabetes: Practical Advice for Caring for Your Loved One." As the founder of T1D Nutritionist, a virtual insurance-based private practice, Amanda provides counseling and guidance to individuals with T1D and their families, supporting them in effectively managing diabetes.
*Disclaimer: All content and information in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your diabetes management.