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How do you handle BG lows after exercise?

cathylopez1975
cathylopez1975 Posts: 191 Member
in Social Groups
I am very near my goal weight, having lost almost 90 lbs. My BG numbers are in the normal range with careful clean eating and medication - my most recent a1c was 5.9. I haven't really been working out to this point but I'm ready to firm up and look fit. My problem? At the gym today after 5 min of walking, 15-20 min of weight/resistance work, then 15 minutes on the elliptical trainer I felt 'low' - very shaky and weak. I thought it was just shakiness from lifting the weights, but I checked BG as soon as I got home and I was at 70. I ate an hour and a half before I went to the gym.

Anyone had to deal with this before? I figure I need a snack before I go next time. What has worked for you? What combo of carbs, protein, and fat.

Replies

  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    Yes...do have a snack prior to exercising. It's different for everyone, so you'll have to go through some trial & error to figure out how to manage personally.

    For exercise induced hypo's, you can carry smarties candies smarties.jpg

    Go to http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14047370.php to read about how to use them in case of a low.
    Good luck. I don't get lows so I can't speak for how this works but I do carry them 'just in case'...

    The site mentioned above has THE most useful information I've found in managing my T2D
  • GlucernaBrand
    GlucernaBrand Posts: 486
    Congratulations on managing your blood sugars and starting to exercise. If you're taking any medications, talk with your doctor about the low you experienced during exercise. Eating before you exericse is a good start. Be sure to drink water while you're exercising because it's easy to become dehyrated. A snack with 15 grams of carbohydrate and a small amount of protein about 30 minutes before exercise often works well for people. Having something with you in case of a low is excellent advice. Some people drink Gatorade or another type of sports drink while exercising to help keep blood sugar levels in good control. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/physical_ez/ has additional information. ~Lynn /Glucerna

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