Are there special precautions to be taken while exercising?

There are some exercise precautions which people with diabetes must take. However, when done safely, exercise is a valuable aid to optimal health.

Exercise precautions are designed to help people with diabetes to avoid problems which can result from unwise exercise choices.

Hypoglycemia can occur if a person who is taking blood sugar lowering medication has:

• Eaten too little carbohydrate (fruit, milk, starch) relative to the exercise.
• Taken too much medication relative to the exercise
• Combined effect of food and medication imbalances relative to the exercise

Those who do not take diabetes medication do not need to take these precautions. Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise to stay well-hydrated.