Care Guides - Step 9: Exercise is important!

Return to Index Step 1: Taking Charge Step 2: What is Diabetes?Step 3: Symptoms of Diabetes Step 4: Diagnosing Diabetes Step 5: Your Management Program Step 6: Use Insulin Every Day Step 7: Follow a Meal Plan Step 8: Monitor Blood Glucose Step 9: Exercise is Important!Step 10: Recognize Medical Emergencies Step 11: Long-Term Complications Step 12: Maintain Regular Check-ups Step 13: The Healthcare Team Key Points Glossary

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Step 9: Exercise is important!

Insulin
Meal plan
Blood glucose monitoring
exercise

Exercise has great health benefits for both children and adults with type 1 diabetes. As long as blood glucose is controlled (and there are no other complications), they can participate in all levels of exercise -- leisure activities, recreational play, and competitive sports.

However, exercise IS a little tricky. Without the proper precautions, exercise can make blood glucose run either too high or too low (usually, too low).

Before beginning an exercise program, the doctor should perform a thorough exam. Once approved, follow these general guidelines:

Include a 5 - 10 minute warm-up and cool-down period -- such as walking and stretching -- into each exercise session.
Monitor blood glucose before and after each exercise session. Learn to recognize when changes in insulin or food intake are necessary.
Recognize how diabetes is affected by different exercise conditions.
Keep sugar-based foods handy during and after exercise. They should be eaten as needed to avoid hypoglycemia. These include glucose tablets, soft drinks, and raisins.
Wear a visible I.D. bracelet or other diabetes identifier.

The effects of exercise on blood glucose can last up to 24 hours. Keep an eye out for diabetes symptoms. More food should be eaten if necessary.

There are successful professional athletes with type 1 diabetes. You and your health care providers will work together to maintain good blood glucose control, so that you or your child can stay physically active.

References

Physical activity and diabetes: What I need to know. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. March 2008. NIH Publications No. 05-5180.

Review Date: 6/24/2011
Reviewed By: Nancy J. Rennert, MD, FACE, FACP, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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