Feel the Burn - In Your Body and Your Glucose!

We’ve all been told that exercise is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle - after all, it can make you stronger, help improve heart health, and even help with weight loss. But did you know that exercise plays a significant role in blood sugar management too?

Diabetes and Exercise

When you use your muscles, blood glucose is burned through for energy. You can think of your muscles like a straw sucking up excess sugar in your blood. Your body also uses insulin better when you exercise. In other words, exercising helps lower your blood sugars. This effect can last over 24 hours, meaning the exercise you did Monday may affect your blood sugars until Tuesday or even into Wednesday!

Blood Sugars and Exercise

When you have diabetes, consistent monitoring with exercise is key. Check your blood sugar before exercise, during exercise, and after exercise if you are curious about exercise’s impact on your blood sugars.

If your blood sugar is below 100 mg/dL, do not exercise. Have a snack before you start your exercise and make sure blood sugar is >/= 100 mg/dL before starting.

Just Get Moving

“Exercise” does not have to mean power-lifting or signing up for a marathon. It can simply mean more movement during your day. Park further away when going to the grocery store, take the stairs at work, or have a dance party with your kids at home. Every bit of movement counts! Find something you love to do with movement and do it frequently- your blood sugars will thank you for it!

Reach out to our CHI Health Diabetes Management team with more questions.