5 Ways to Manage Exercise and Insulin

Improved insulin sensitivity. Greater strength. Better heart health. Regular exercise helps people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar in more ways than one.^1,2

At the same time, if you take insulin, being active comes with challenges. Exercise affects people with diabetes differently. And blood sugar management varies from one person to the next. So how can you manage exercise and insulin for the best results?

15 February 2022

Table of contents

How Exercise Affects Blood Sugar
Exercise Smart
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How Exercise Affects Blood Sugar

The effects of physical activity on glucose levels depends on many factors, such as the type of activity or how long you’re active. Exercise can lower blood sugar 24 hours — or even more — after a workout. That’s because it makes the body more sensitive to insulin.

Checking blood sugar before and after exercise helps you understand how your body responds to specific activities. Knowing your unique patterns can help you prevent highs or lows.

Here are five ways you can manage blood sugar for your next workout.

1. Test First

If you take insulin or other medicines that can lower blood sugar, test 15 to 30 minutes before a workout. Blood sugar levels under 100 mg/dL mean you need to wait to exercise. For most people, 100 to 250 mg/dL is a safe pre-exercise blood sugar range.²

If your blood sugar is above 250 mg/dL, it’s too high to exercise safely. Take measures to correct blood sugar levels and wait to work out until your blood sugar is in the safe range again.²

2. Eat Beforehand

Even if you perfectly time insulin doses with exercise, you may still need extra carbs to prevent lows. Everyone’s body is unique. Checking blood sugar before, during and after your workout can help you figure out the right plan for you.

3. Know the Signs

If you start feeling weak, confused or shaky, stop exercising. Check your blood sugar. If it’s under 70 mg/dL, don’t exercise anymore until you raise your blood sugar.

For longer workouts, plan to check blood sugar levels every 30 minutes.

4. Be Prepared

Always have emergency supplies on hand — something to eat or drink with around 15 grams of fast-acting carbs to raise low blood sugar. Good options include:²

½ cup of fruit juice
Glucose gel or tablets
½ cup of a non-diet soft drink
Hard candy (check the label for carbs per serving)

5. Test Afterwards

Check your blood sugar after exercising and for the next few hours. The harder your workout, the longer it affects blood sugar — even four to eight hours later.

Exercise Smart

When you have diabetes, testing blood sugar before, during and after exercise is just as important as getting active. Learning to adjust your food and insulin intake around workouts helps you safely enjoy the benefits of exercise. And be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise plan.