Exercise and hypoglycemia can be dangerous for people with diabetes or taking glucose-lowering medications, but precautions can be taken. Eating before and during exercise, checking blood sugar levels, and having glucose tablets or drinks on hand can help manage the risk. People with diabetes can still engage in sports and exercise with proper management.
In patients with diabetes or people taking medications that lower blood glucose levels, hypoglycemia and exercise can be closely related, and it is possible to develop dangerously low blood sugar levels with strenuous exercise. This does not mean that people cannot or cannot exercise if they are at risk of hypoglycemia, simply that special precautions should be taken. Exercise has a number of benefits, and doctors are happy to work with their patients to manage their conditions so they can exercise safely.
When people exercise, the body burns stored energy. In healthy individuals, exercise can lower blood glucose levels slightly, but not dangerously, especially when people eat a balanced, healthy diet and plan their exercise carefully. For people with diabetes, hypoglycemia and exercise can become a bigger problem. It is possible to experience a rapid drop in blood glucose levels and the patient may be at risk of complications as a result of low levels, especially if no interventions are provided.
People concerned about hypoglycemia and exercise due to a medical condition or medications they are taking should eat before exercising and keep snacks during exercise. Feeling hungry during exercise and sweating profusely are two warning signs of hypoglycemia. Glucose tablets and drinks are also available for patients who need a quick glucose hit to raise their blood sugar levels.
Most physicians treating patients at risk for exercise-induced hypoglycemia recommend checking blood sugar prior to exercise. If a patient has slightly low levels, it is advisable to eat and wait until they stabilize. Patients should also not exercise with high blood glucose, as they can develop hyperglycemia, where there is too much glucose in the blood. A doctor can talk with a patient about appropriate blood glucose levels for different types of exercise to help develop an appropriate diet and exercise plan to manage hypoglycemia and exercise-related concerns.
Understanding the connection between hypoglycemia and exercise is important for people who want to engage in moderate to strenuous activity. People shouldn’t let blood glucose concerns scare them off; Some elite athletes, including Olympians, compete with conditions like diabetes, from endurance athletes like cyclists to sprinters. The Type 1 Team, a competitive cycling team in the United States, is named after its diabetic team members! While diabetes can add an element of complexity to exercise and athletics, it doesn’t make sports impossible.
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