Type II Diabetics..Excercise and planning?

suvoth
suvoth Posts: 927 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey all, I am a type 2 diabetic (which is what motivated me to lose all the weight in the first place). Anyways, I usually have no problems with my blood sugars. My last 3 A1C's were 5.6, 5.3 and 5.6. I only take metformin at 1000 mg/day (divided by 2 doses during the day). Previously, my lowest testing was 4.6 but today I walked 13 KM's and towards the end of it (even after just having had a coffee at Tims for a brief break) I felt super dizzy. Managed to really push myself and when I got home, drank a bottle of fizzy sugar free flavoured water before I figured I should probably test my blood sugar levels. I was at a 4.1..gosh only knows what I was before that. My lowest ever. Do any of you all plan ahead? I really don't feel like carrying my blood glucose meter with me during my speedwalking workouts (today for example I did 13 Ks in 2 hours) so what do you all do?? My first experience with this kind of low so not sure if I should really be too concerned with it but I do tend to walk alone and I don't have a medical bracelet or anything..I thought for sure type 2's don't get to critical low levels anyways. Okay, end rant. lol

Replies

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    You should ask your doctor.
  • suvoth
    suvoth Posts: 927 Member
    straight forward.. Thanks. Just wondered if any type 2's out there had plans etc
  • ConleighS
    ConleighS Posts: 1,058 Member
    I recently read something that said that with diabetes your blood sugar can drop dramatically after exercise. so yes keep glucometer handy and also some kind of snack that will give you a quick boost. i am in the learning stages as I just found out I have T2D
  • fattothinmum
    fattothinmum Posts: 218 Member
    I have T2 and with metformin only, I'd be ok with a 4 reading after 13k, but not with being lightheaded. Sugar free water is just like drinking water, so wouldn't help. I'd visit your doctor and of all is ok, test for what food does to you.

    I'm sort of thinking that 13kms, if you had nothing to eat beforehand or you're not used to that kind of exercise, then you'd need to eat something. Anyone - even non diabetics can get lightheaded from exercise and no fuel/not enough fuel. Keep a banana or a couple of dates handy as fuel and enjoy your walks. Some people get lightheaded, and others do fasted cardio with no problems.

    I tend to eat a banana or some dried mango half an hour before a run, then protein afterwards. I wouldn't be concerned with your reading and dizziness with 13km walk, but I would say you were underfuelled for it and should make sure you eat in a way that suits your body.

    But I'm not a doctor, so you should check out anything that worries you.
  • fattothinmum
    fattothinmum Posts: 218 Member
    Ps, carrying a bottle of water with you might be a good idea too, especially if you tend to get dehydrated or sweat a lot.
  • Bchlvr64
    Bchlvr64 Posts: 89 Member
    @suvoth I have had this happen. You are already taking a medication to lower your BS, then you did exercise that lowered it even more. I would strongly urge you to check out Dr. Richard Bernstein's Diabetes Solution book. Could save your eyes and toes. I am considered "cured". However, if I went back to eating the way I did before I would be T2 again.
  • ksz1104
    ksz1104 Posts: 260 Member
    Ive heard that if you are going to be doing some heavy exercise to have a snack beforehand with some extra carbs, like a piece of toast with peanut butter, like an hour or so beforehand. May want to look into that.
  • ksz1104
    ksz1104 Posts: 260 Member
    Oh and I am a recently diagnosed type 2 diabetic looking to get back into working out and losing weight to control this beast!
  • suvoth
    suvoth Posts: 927 Member
    Sorry for missing all these responses. I've purchased Dex 4 tablets now and if I feel a bit..woozy, I eat 1/2 and then another 1/2 later on if it still persists. So far, so good :)
  • zcb94
    zcb94 Posts: 3,678 Member
    Bchlvr64 wrote: »
    @suvoth I have had this happen. You are already taking a medication to lower your BS, then you did exercise that lowered it even more. I would strongly urge you to check out Dr. Richard Bernstein's Diabetes Solution book. Could save your eyes and toes. I am considered "cured". However, if I went back to eating the way I did before I would be T2 again.
    Me too.
    OP, it is my personal experience that fasted cardio is the most dangerous thing you can do to yourself. I am not a doctor, but I do know how it feels to end up dizzy mid-workout due to "running on fumes."
  • mjudd1990
    mjudd1990 Posts: 219 Member
    Metformin inhibits gluconeogenesis in the liver which is one of the main ways you maintain your blood glucose levels when fasting. You won't be as prone to going low like someone on insulin would be, but if you go too long without eating your body will have a hard time maintaining normal blood sugar.
  • suvoth
    suvoth Posts: 927 Member
    Thanks guys :) I seem to be getting a bit better with predicting when I need to take in some food so I hope I won't experience that sort of dizziness for a very long while :)
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    You are catching on! I don't go anywhere without carrying a snack of some sort. You don't need too big a pick me up. A couple gummie bears should do it. Glucotabs are the most efficient.

    Now that you know how low BG feels, I'd say carrying a snack is important but you don't need to bring your tester. Unless you are curious.

    When I lost significant weight I started to experience my first low blood sugar moments. To be safe, I let my co-workers know who were closest to me at the office.
  • suvoth
    suvoth Posts: 927 Member
    Yeah the Dex 4 tabs seem to help a lot :)
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    I often carry some peppermint lifesavers or a hard candy or two. My longest recent walk was 31k I found small snacks along the way was better for me than just a larger lunch. I'm type 2 since late Feb. on meteor in and 45lbs down.
  • mariesilva726
    mariesilva726 Posts: 42 Member
    Check your sugar before you begin. Keep in mind what you eat as you will burn it. Don't eat enough your going to bottom out(low sugar)
  • ladeeda103
    ladeeda103 Posts: 12 Member
    I am not diabetic but I am a bit hypoglycemic so yes, this has happened to me. And it is a common thing to happen to diabetics in medication. (Both my parents are type 2 diabetics, and my mother in law is a certified diabetes educator.) Low blood sugar can be very dangerous if you don't take care of it. It can set off panic attacks, cause confusion and trouble speaking, and can even cause coma. I've had panic attacks and confusion myself.

    It's really great that you're learning to identify how it feels to you. Like other people have mentioned, keeping glucose tablets (or some other fast acting sugar) on you at all times is a good idea. I was instructed that when I have low blood sugar, I should eat 3 glucose tablets, wait 10-15 min, then eat a snack containing carb and protein. It works very well.

    Also, diabetics (but really everyone) should ALWAYS eat their proper portion of carbs for each meal WITH fiber and protein. This should help your body digest it slower so your BS will be more steady, less prone to drops between meals. It also helps you stay full and less prone to cravings.

    Hope that helps and good luck!

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