Are there special precautions I must take while exercising if I am on diabetic medications or insulin?

Precautions to take while exercising if you take insulin or oral diabetes medication:

• If your blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dl prior to exercise, take a carbohydrate snack prior to beginning the exercise.

• If your blood sugar level is higher than 100 mg/dl before exercise, it may not be necessary to take a carbohydrate snack before a light exercise session, but you may need extra carbohydrates during or following the exercise. Check your blood to see if your blood sugar dips below 70 mg/dl following exercise.
• If you experience hypoglycemia, see ‘What to do in case of Low Blood Sugar’ and follow up with your doctor. You may be advised to lower your medication on days you exercise if your blood sugar levels are well-controlled and usually within target range.
• For long duration and/or high intensity exercise sessions, plan extra carbohydrate snacks during the activity. Additional carbohydrates is suggested each 30 to 60 minutes of exercise (e.g. soccer game, hiking, biking, skating, etc).
• Always carry a fast-acting carbohydrate food such as glucose drinks when exercising in the event blood sugar drops too low and hypoglycemia symptoms develop during exercise.
• Wear a form of ID, which identifies you as having Diabetes, particularly if you are exercising alone so that others may help you appropriately in the event something unexpected happens.