A group of seniors doing a yoga session

Do This When Exercising

Before or After the Gym:

  • Do know the side effects of medications you are on; some medications can hide low blood glucose symptoms
  • Do talk with you doctor about recommended workouts; Ask your doctor about what target heart rate you should have during exercise
  • Do plan to work out three times per week
  • Do check blood glucose before and after exercise and record results

At the Gym:

  • Do start slowly
  • Do warm up for five to 10 minutes before exercise and cool down five to 10 minutes after exercise
  • Do wear good exercise shoes
  • Do exercise on smooth surfaces
  • Do carry glucose tablets or a sugar source with you
  • Do wear diabetes ID
A couple doing leg stretches outdoors

Don't Do This While Exercising

  • Don't drink alcoholic beverages before, during or after exercise
  • Don't exercise if you are not feeling well
  • Don't exercise in very hot, humid weather or in smog
  • Don't exercise when blood glucose is over 240 mg/dl and ketones are present
  • Don't exercise if you have pain; stop and call your doctor

Exercising While on Insulin

  • If exercising when your insulin is peaking or working hardest, use caution to avoid low blood glucose. If you do have low blood glucose while exercising, stop and treat it accordingly.
  • Avoid injecting insulin into a body area that you know will be directly exercised. Changes in the insulin dose may be needed before and/or after. If you have low blood glucose reactions, talk with your doctor.