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Monitoring blood sugar levels during exercise is essential for diabetics to maintain safety and optimize health benefits. Proper management helps prevent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, ensuring a safe workout experience.
Why Monitoring Blood Sugar Is Important
Exercise affects blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by muscles. Regular monitoring allows diabetics to adjust their food intake, insulin, or activity levels accordingly. This helps avoid dangerous drops or spikes in blood sugar during physical activity.
How to Monitor Blood Sugar During Exercise
Before starting exercise, check blood sugar levels to determine if it is safe to proceed. During activity, it is recommended to test every 30 minutes, especially for longer sessions. After exercise, monitoring continues to observe how levels change and to prevent delayed hypoglycemia.
Tips for Managing Blood Sugar During Exercise
- Eat a small snack if blood sugar is below 100 mg/dL before exercising.
- Stay hydrated to help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Adjust insulin doses as advised by a healthcare professional.
- Carry fast-acting carbohydrates for emergencies.