Exercise

Why should I exercise?

Regular Exercise (3 to 4 times per week or more) can lower blood glucose, lower blood pressure, help you lose weight and reduce your risk for heart disease.

What exercise should I do?

Cut Down On 

Sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time

• Watching TV

• Playing Cards

• Knitting

2 - 3 Times per Week 

Leisure

• Golf

• Bowling

• Gardening

Flexibility & Strength

• Weightlifting

• Stretching

• Yoga

• Tai Chi

3 - 5 Times a Week     

Aerobic Exercise

• Brisk Walking

• Running

• Bicycling

• Swimming

Recreational

• Tennis

• Dancing

• Hiking

Every Day

• Walk the dog. 

• Take longer routes. 

• Walk to the store or mailbox.

• Park your car farther away. 

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Make extra steps in your day.

What precautions should I take?

Discuss beginning an Exercise program with your doctor. It is important to be safe and not cause damage to your body.

Do not exercise when your blood glucose is >13.8 mmol/L and you have ketones in your urine.

Because exercise can lower your blood glucose level, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can occur up to 24 hours after exercise. To avoid hypoglycemia:

• If you take insulin or another glucose-lowering medicine, self-monitoring your blood glucose levels before and after exercise.

• You need to decrease your insulin dose or increase your carbohydrate intake for strenuous or prolonged exercise. Watch your blood glucose results for this information.

• Avoid exercising during peak insulin action.

• Carry glucose to treat hypoglycemia.

• Don't inject your insulin into your thigh or upper arm before exercise.

• Wear a medical ID bracelet/necklace.

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