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Diabetes Q&A | Exercise | If insulin is needed to use the glucose
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The Question

06/12/09 09:27 PM

"If insulin is needed to use the glucose in your blood, why do we need less insulin when we exercise? BS rises without enough insulin during exercise."
Asked By: pjozzie  
Category: Exercise

Background Info Hide
Type 2 diabetes since 1993. Using Lantus since April, 2005, and Humalog since June, 2007.

Expert Answers (1)

07/05/09 06:58 PM

Thanks for writing dLife! Your question is very good and you are correct, blood glucose levels can fluctuate either way with exercise. First, we know that exercise itself does make our muscle tissue more sensitive to the effects of insulin. The effects of exercise can depend on what the type, duration and intensity of exercise that is performed, as well as the type of medication and the dose used. However, if one with diabetes is insulin deficient, such as in type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes that has progressed to an insulin deficient state, exercise can actually cause blood glucose levels to rise since insulin is needed for the muscle cells to be able to use glucose. In someone who has enough insulin present, exercise increases the muscle's ability to use insulin and thus increases insulin sensitivity. That is why in many people with type 2 diabetes, regular exercise can not only help with overall fitness levels and weight control, but also decrease insulin resistance and possibly the need for medications. The best way to know how your body responds is to test your blood glucose levels before and after exercise and remember that the effects of exercise on your blood sugar level can last for several hours after the exercise itself. Always check with your physician before starting an exercise program and review blood glucose patterns.
Answered By: Janice Baker
Accreditations: B.Sc., MBA, RD, CDE, CNSC
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Community Answers (1)

06/17/09 03:14 PM

I understand your question and taking insulin during exercise could be a bit dangerous. You might just take a few units to see what happens to you. Thing is if you havent eaten the body releases glucose from the liver to supply your energy needs. That is part of why it goes up when you exercise.
Answered By: furball64801
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