You have more control than you think as a diabetic, exercise can help lower blood glucose in the short term. And when you are active on a regular basis, it can also lower your A1C.
When you exercise insulin sensitivity increases, so your muscle cells are better able to use any available insulin to take up glucose during and after activity.
When your muscles contract during activity, your cells are able to take up glucose and use it for energy whether insulin is available or not.
Your glucose levels can continue to drop up to 24 hours post exercise.
If you are first starting an exercise program you must learn how your body is going to react to the type of exercise you are doing. You will have to start by checking your blood glucose level immediately before and after exercise. You will also have to check more frequently during the course of the day. It’s a good idea to exercise with someone and to always carry glucose tablets with you.
Once you become a acclimated to your exercise routine you won’t have to check your glucose as often.
The most important thing is to try and be active at least 5 days a week.
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Stuart Thilmany is the owner of Keep the Beat Wellness, a health and wellness studio specializing in personal and small group training for baby boomers, seniors and individuals with various medical conditions where exercise programs are tailored to the individual’s needs. For a complimentary exercise consult you can contact him at (847) 559-1992.