Mar 11 2009
Blood Glucose Level
How strenuous activity can affect your blood glucose level.
If you are active for two hours or more, such as when participating in a marathon or competitive sport, you will need to pay even closer attention to your blood glucose level. If it is too high or low, your performance will be affected and you will tire very quickly Also, your blood glucose level might take up to 24 hours lo return to normal, as your body replaces the glucose stores in your muscles. Regular testing is essential to monitor your blood glucose level and take action to reduce the chances of having a hypo.
There is no magic formula that will work for everyone, but the following recommendations help keep your blood glucose level steady during strenuous and/or long-lasting activity:
Blood Glucose Monitoring. If you are regularly active for more than an hour, test your blood glucose level before and after activity and also every l-l1/2 hours during your activity You may need to eat or drink something if your blood glucose level is falling. In competitive events, stress and excitement can make you produce hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can also make your blood glucose level rise – another reason why monitoring is important.
Carry High-Sugar Snacks. Having high-energy food or drink, such as sports bars, bananas, or non-diet drinks, every 1-1 1/2 hours ensure your body’s glucose supplies do not fall too low. Drinking water prevents you becoming dehydrated.
Keep Records. Knowing the effects of exercise and food on your blood glucose level helps you to work out the best way to manage next time.
Lower Your Tablet Or Insulin Dose. If you take tablets that help your body produce more insulin (for example, sulphonylureas), you may need to reduce the dosage before you exercise. Taking a lower dose of your longer-acting insulin the night or morning before the activity, or taking a smaller amount of your shorter-acting insulin with any pre-activity meals, or doing both, will reduce the chances of your having a hypo during your strenuous physical activity.
If you want to increase your muscle bulk or are training for a specific event, such as a marathon, your diabetes exercise program needs to be tailored to your needs. Dealing with endurance sports and diabetes is a specialized subject. You may need advice from your health professional to help you maintain a normal blood glucose level.