Since exercise speeds up glucose metabolism, you need to prepare yourself before exercising. Here are some suggestions to get ready for steady aerobic activity such as cycling, swimming or brisk walking.

• If your blood sugar is in your target range (70 - 150 mg/dL), eat 10-15 g of carbohydrate, such as
  • 1 fruit exchange (a small apple, 1/2 banana, a small orange, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of raisins) or
  • 1 starch exchange (1/2 bagel, 12 thin pretzels, 3 cups of popcorn, unbuttered) or
  • 1 milk exchange

• If your blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dL, eat 25-35 g of carbohydrate:
  • 1 milk exchange AND 1 fruit or starch exchange

• If your blood sugar is greater than 150 mg/dL, no snack is needed before exercising. One may be needed in 30 - 60 minutes, after retesting blood sugar.

• If blood sugar is above 240 mg/dL, check for ketones. You may need insulin. Do not eat any extra food.

• If blood sugar is above 300 mg/dL, do not exercise.

Check with your healthcare team before making such diet change.

Related information: Lifestyle – Diet | Exercise