The diagnosis makes diabetes a reality for you. With diabetes, experiencing hypoglycemia is usually a risk. Because you’re a diabetic, you must be extra cautious when it comes to what you eat…and how much you exercise. Is there a way to make exercise a regular part of your life without giving hypoglycemia an equally permanent status in your life as well?
Read on and find the answer to that question as well as more valuable information about hypoglycemia and exercise.
Can Exercise Cause Hypoglycemia? YES, but not all the time.
When you exercise for an unusually long time, and you neglect replenishing your glucose production by eating, you’re making yourself increasingly vulnerable to hypoglycemia.
Can You Still Exercise If You Have Diabetes and Hypoglycemia?
Fortunately, we can give you another YES for this question. As long as you observe proper precautions, there’s no reason for you to give up exercising completely.
Firstly, always check your blood glucose. Don’t be lazy about this. Knowing your blood glucose count will help you more accurately estimate just how many minutes you can exercise continuously before you have to eat once more. Your doctor will inform you at what particular level is it considered safe for you to exercise.
If you find out that your glucose level is too high or low, refrain from exercise for the time being. Eat more or less until your glucose level goes back to normal.
Always have little protein snacks with you to ensure that there’s food to grab during emergencies – and yes, hypoglycemia is one of those emergencies.
Avoid exercising in places or settings that have temperatures at the extreme. It can either be too hot or too cold. Both are not beneficial for your health. In such temperatures, your body is unable to absorb insulin properly – and that’s bad news for diabetics, as all of you may already know.
How Will I Know If I’m at Risk of Having Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia’s a silent killer; the symptoms appear gradually, so one moment, you’re feeling great at the treadmill, but the next moment, you’re gasping for a sugar rush. That’s the bad news.
Here’s the good news. Even if the symptoms are subtle, hypoglycemia’s a well-researched and much-studied condition, so most symptoms, if not all, have already been identified. The only thing you should know then is memorize the symptoms. Knowing them will give you enough warning to successfully prevent hypoglycemia from cutting your workout short.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia:
Growling Stomach – Hunger is the top indication that you’re about to experience hypoglycemia. Rule number one, people: don’t exercise if your stomach isn’t partially full, especially if you’re diabetic as well!
Change in Heartbeat Rate – No, a change in your heartbeat rate isn’t an indication that you’re falling in or out of love. Possibly, if the change happens while you’re sweating it out in the gym, it could be an indication that you’re suffering from hypoglycemia.
Getting Wet – If your clothes end up clinging to your skin too early, it means you’re sweating more profusely than usual. Again, that’s an indication of hypoglycemia.
Other Tips for Exercising
Never start a new exercise routine without having it evaluated by your physician first. Always wear the proper attire, especially when it comes to footwear – socks and shoes – because they’re the most vulnerable part of your body right now. Drink lots of water before, during, and after your workout. Lastly, have fun but keep safe while exercising!
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