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Physical activity is important for everyone not just people with diabetes. Activity helps us maintain muscle strength, maintain or lose weight and improves overall health. For people with diabetes, exercise plays a key role in improving blood sugar control, weight management and reducing the risk of heart disease.1

Your healthcare professional who helps you manage your diabetes can determine what is best for you. Consult with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. You may need to eat before you exercise if more than an hour has passed since your last meal. Check your blood sugar before exercising. A suggested guideline is as follows. If your blood sugar is:

  • 70 mg/dL or less Have a food that provides about 15 grams of carbohydrate. Wait 30 minutes and test your blood sugar again before you begin.
  • 70-100 mg/dL Have a snack (about 15 grams of carbohydrate) before you exercise.
  • 100-150 mg/dL You may need a snack after you exercise, or during if the activity lasts more than 30 minutes.
  • 150-300 mg/dL A snack is not needed before you exercise.
  • 300 mg/dL or greater Dont exercise until your blood sugar is under better control.

Consult your health care professional if you have any questions about nutrition and exercise. If you frequently skip meals or exercise regularly, you may need to have a special plan for controlling your blood sugar. A nutritional supplement may be helpful for managing your diabetes when you exercise.

1. American Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Recommendations 2007