Diabetes Questions & Answers
Your diabetes questions answered by our Experts and Community

The Question

06/02/09 02:00 PM

"What do you eat when your glucose goes low? Mine goes in the 40 range and I have no symptoms to warn me. I take no meds."

Asked By: bbexpress@comcast.net

Category: Exercise

Background Info Hide

I have no insurance, so i'm trying to do this alone, I started out with high, then, low, then high, now mostly low, I don't know what to eat so i can exercise, i love to do this, but can't glucose goes too low during and after exercise, please someone help me.

Expert Answers (2)

06/10/09 02:53 PM

Hi BBexpress

Going it alone can be difficult, especially when you have diabetes. Here are some suggestions look to see what kind of medical services are available in your community that can be given on a sliding fee, or if you are elegible for public insurance like Medicaid. Diabetes is a chronic condition that should be monitored with the assistance of healthcare professional.

On the other hand if you have a blood sugar meter, use it to learn how your meal and exercise patterns affect your blood sugar.

Goal blood sugars when you wake up should be around 70-110 and after meals around 140 is ideal for excellent glucose control.

anything under 70 is typically considered a low.

What I would recommend is:

space your meals about every 4-5 hours. If too much time goes by between your meals your blood sugar can drop too low.

make sure you are not excessively reducing carbohydrate foods from your meals, this can also make your blood sugar drop too much.

I tend to tell clients, if your blood sugar is under 100 before exercising have a snack such as a piece of fruit and a small handful of nuts, the combination of protein with carbohydrate can slow how fast your blood sugar drops.

Try not to over do it when you exercising, the amount of time you spend doing rigorous physical activity can cause a low blood sugar episode.

Make sure your meter is working correctly and that it is not giving you a false low reading. Use the test solution that came with you meter (check it's expiration date, and make sure it has not been opened for more than 3 months.) The reading given by the solution should match the range given by the vial of your test strips. Good luck.

Answered By: Christina Persaud

Accreditations: MPH, RD, CDE

Sources Show

06/10/09 07:05 PM

Thanks for writing dLife. Your question is both very important and very serious. Having low blood sugar levels, as low as you mention can be very dangerous. This does require medical evaluation to determine the cause of this and medication that you may be taking might need adjustment. It is also likely that you should make sure to have regular meals and snacks and keep glucose tablets on hand for low blood sugar levels, as this is the most dependable source of quick glucose. Otherwise, keep other forms of fast acting carbohydrate on hand such as small juice boxes, hard candy or even sugar packets. Always check your blood sugar level before exercise and consider having a small snack, depending on your blood sugar level and the intensity/duration of your exercise. It is also important to realize that your blood sugar level can drop several hours after exercise as well. Again, it is very important that these issues be discussed with a medical doctor so consider contacting a local community clinic for assistance if insurance and cost is an issue, as it is for many.

Answered By: Janice Baker

Accreditations: B.Sc., MBA, RD, CDE, CNSC

Sources Show

(2 Answers)

Community Answers (6)

07/03/09 02:03 PM

I want to thank each one of you that answered my question, it's so nice to have someone to ask questions and get answers. All of u have helped me greatly, Thanks again, I'm new at this , but if I can ever help someone, please let me know, You all are the greatest.

Answered By: bbexpress@comcast.net

FLAG

SourcesShow

06/22/09 09:05 AM

Try drinking a Little Grape juice, Its loaded with Carbs so take a little at a time

Answered By: ronbo49

FLAG

SourcesShow

06/22/09 09:05 AM

Try drinking a Little Grape juice, Its loaded with Carbs so take a little at a time

Answered By: ronbo49

FLAG

SourcesShow

06/15/09 12:54 PM

Why not try eating a fruit before the exercise program. It may stay with you a bit its worth a try.

Answered By: furball64801

FLAG

SourcesShow

06/05/09 05:52 PM

4-5 peanut butter and crackers will get your blood sugar up within 30 min. Also, breakfast bars will work. vzarem

Answered By: vzarem

FLAG

SourcesShow

06/05/09 10:18 AM

That all depends on how much weight you lost, the intensity of your exercise program. Many times diabetics think if I exercise hard my bs should drop but not necesarily so; If your exercise is moderate yes it could drop you but it sounds like maybe you are not eating enough carbs. You are so very lucky you are able to do this without meds you will never know. I hope this helps if you have other questions please ask.

Answered By: furball64801

FLAG

SourcesShow

(6 Answers)

Most Recent Exercise Questions:

Insulin and fat?

What are some high-carb, low-calorie snacks for excercising?

I have DPN and have struggled with bad feet. I recently used a different pair of walking shoes. The shoes hurt my right foot and it is now swollen.

I need a snack that will sustain me through my workout. I usually have yogurt & almonds before. Tonight I almost passed out. Had Gatorade.Felt better

Have type 2 and can't do treadmill any longer due to digenerative disc disease what exercise can I do for diabetes?

My glucose fall as much as 200 points in a 45 min excercise class, but I am still above 120. Should I eat something to stop the dizziness/shakes?

Are ther any low impact exercising I can do to get my numbers lower?

*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

The Question

Expert Answers (2)

Community Answers (6)

Most Recent Exercise Questions:

Browse Questions by Category