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08/18/09 02:49 PM

"Exercise and diabetes. I bike 10 miles, 4 times a week. Why my blood sugar goes up after I exercise? "
Asked By: icasillo  
Category: Exercise

Background Info Hide
I am type 1 for almost 30 years. I wear a pump. My A1C is 6.8. I am well control, eat well, and exercise regularly, I do not have any complications as of now. I enjoy biking a lot, and I bike 4 times a week about 10 miles each time. I never bike when my blood is higher that 240, when I am between 80 and 180 I drink 8 fluid oz of juice before starting to exercise, and when I am between 180 and 240 I just bike. Many times after biking my sugar goes down, but then an hour or bit more after the exercise, my sugar goes up all the way to 300, and stays high for a long time. Why? It happens many times, there is no pattern at all. I could start on 240, or 180 or 120, but my sugar goes up. What should I do to maintain a normal level after exercise? especially, exercise is supposed to help to lower the sugar in the blood. Thank you

Expert Answers (1)

09/10/09 10:52 AM

Dear Icasillo-

What a great question regarding exercise and Type 1 diabetes.

I would recommend that you consider a different pre-exercise snack. I imagine that the 8 ounces of juice is giving you too quick of a release of glucose to meet the biking demands . You are producing additional glucose post exercise. I would try a more complex carb snack such a 1/2 sandwich of peanut butter and sugar-free jelly on whole wheat, or a apple and serving of almonds. These snacks will provide you with a slower release of glucose throughout your ride.

Here are a few additional questions to consider:

  • How long does it take you to ride your 10 miles?
  • Have you taken your glucose mid-ride?
  • Have you tried a small 1/2 carb complex snack post-ride?

    For the next several rides try one change at a time. Log the results and evaluate what works best for you. I am a cyclist too, and in fact, just heading out for a ride. I think the 10 miles is just the right amount at a steady pace. I am confident you will find the ride pre-and post ride plan for you.

    Happy and healthy trails!

    • Answered By: Janet HowardDucsay
    Accreditations: RN BSN CDE
    Sources Show

    Community Answers (0)

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