Exercise is an important part of everyone's lifestyle, but it is especially significant for people with diabetes. That's because exercise helps to lower glucose levels and can also increase insulin sensitivity. Here are some tips to make sure you exercise safely:

• Check your blood glucose level before and after exercising to determine if your level is too high to exercise safely, or if you need to take action before exercising to prevent hypoglycemia. Your doctor can help you decide whether you should eat a snack or change a medication dose before exercise, to avoid hypoglycemia.
• Exercise one to two hours after a meal - that's the best time to avoid hypoglycemia.
• If you have retinopathy, avoid activities that involve jarring, straining or bearing down (such as handball or heavy weight-lifting), since they can damage fragile blood vessels in the eye.
• If you have peripheral neuropathy, be sure to choose the right footwear and have a thorough foot examination before starting an exercise program. If you have severe loss of sensation, avoid repetitive weight-bearing activities like basketball; biking or swimming would be better.
• Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, since dehydration can hinder your body's ability to handle glucose.
• If you have a history of high cholesterol and/or triglycerides or a family history of heart attacks, or if you have autonomic neuropathy, have a cardiovascular exam before starting an exercise program.

Related information: Fitness Center | Diabetes and Fitness

Source:  Woodrum J. How much do you know about exercising safely? Diabetes Self-Management, March/April 2002;19(2):80, 83.