Diabetes + Exercise
Exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle. You should always consult your doctor before engaging in strenuous exercise to be sure you are physically able though.
Editor’s Note: Consult your doctor before engaging in a new exercise regimen. Exercising with type 1 diabetes can lead to potentially dangerous swings in your blood sugar levels.
Exercising with type 1 diabetes is complicated. The type of exercise, time of day, length of your workout, types of insulin, pump vs. injections, the last time you ate, etc. are some of the many variables that determine how it will affect your blood sugar.
But regular exercise is also an important part of managing type 1 diabetes and your general health, so learning how to make it part of your routine is worth the effort.
The primary risks of physical activity for the athlete with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are essentially two:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
To prepare for hypoglycemia, keep at least 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates on hand at all times. Aerobic exercise, such as jogging, tends to drive blood glucose down depending on how much insulin is already active in your bloodstream. Learning how to adjust insulin doses and time your exercise accordingly can significantly reduce your risk of hypoglycemia during and after exercise.
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Certain high-intensity or anaerobic exercises, such as weight lifting or sprinting, can increase blood sugar levels. Learning how to adjust insulin doses and time your exercise accordingly can significantly reduce your risk of hyperglycemia during and after exercise.
Here, we offer a variety of resources to help you manage your blood sugar around different types of exercise and different methods of controlling the many variables that make it complicated.
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Manage the Highs + Lows
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Gone are the days when you had to write down all of your individual blood sugar readings in a paper...
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Whether you’re running 3 miles or 13, learning how—and when—to adjust your insulin rates for endurance training is a critical...
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This content was created as a part of a paid partnership with Ultima Replenisher, an active partner of Beyond Type...
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Editor’s Note: Phil Graham (BSc, CISSN) is a certified sports nutritionist and competitive body builder. Learn more of his training...
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Reach Your Goals
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Editor’s Note: Ben Tzeel is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. “I’m...
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Editor’s Note: Phil Graham (BSc, CISSN) is a certified sports nutritionist and competitive body builder. Learn more of his training tips...
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Dive Deeper
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Alexi was a member of the 2021 Beyond Type Run team. The 2024 Beyond Type Run team is presented by...
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Personal Stories
Here, you'll find a huge variety of personal stories on managing blood sugar levels during exercise from people living with Type 1 diabetes.
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Baseball & Football
Cycling
Running
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Editor’s Note: Stephanie Kahn was a member of Beyond Type Run‘s 2017 TCS New York City Marathon Team sponsored by Medtronic...
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Weight lifting
Dance & Gymnastics
False health food ads and misinformation seem to pop up everywhere—e.g., social media, TV, online shopping sites—touting promises like “life-changing...
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The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and indulgent meals. Managing diabetes, however, doesn’t have to dampen the fun....
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