Exercise Precautions

Exercise with caution:

• If you are injured
• If you are experiencing symptoms of a minor illness (cold or flu)
• In the heat (pick a cool time of the day)
• Immediately after meals (wait 1-2 hours)
• If you are hungry
• If your blood glucose levels are low (<5.O mmol/L) or high (>14.O mmol/L and have ketones)

If you have been diagnosed with heart or coronary artery disease, any secondary complications of diabetes (for example kidney problems, or nerve or vessel problems) or other problems that you consider may affect your capacity to exercise, you should discuss this with either your doctor or physiotherapist. Extra precautions may need to be taken when you exercise.

Precautions for active/exercising people with diabetes

The following precautions are important if you are on insulin or some types of diabetes tablets:

• Monitor your blood glucose levels (BGLs) regularly. Check your BGL before and after activity
• If your BGL is less than 4.O mmol/L take appropriate carbohydrate and speak to your diabetes health professional for ongoing management of `hypos' and activities
• Know the signs, symptoms and treatment of hypoglycaemia
• Be aware of the possible side effects of your medication
• Start exercise 1-2 hours after a meal
• Carry simple sugar while exercising (e.g. jelly beans, glucose tablets or glucose gel) to take if you experience "hypo" symptoms ( see page
• Avoid exercising in isolated places. Make sure someone knows where you are and exercise with a "buddy" if possible
• Avoid late evening activity in case of delayed hypoglycaemia
• Avoid activities where hypoglycaemia could be dangerous, particularly if you are alone. For example, climbing, diving, motor racing, sailing solo.
• Some people can react to exercise with higher than normal blood glucose levels-speak to your Doctor or Educator if this happens to you

Hypoglycaemia

Generally exercise will lower blood glucose levels. In some cases blood glucose levels may drop too low. Hypoglycaemia occurs when blood glucose levels fall to less than 4.O mmol/L. This may occur during, immediately after, several hours or even days after exercise has been completed. Monitor to determine the effect that activity has on you.

advice on treating hypos