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The Question
03/12/10 03:32 PM

"What are the signs and symptoms of night time hypoglycemia?"
Asked By: slimterri5  
Category: Type 2

Background Info Hide
Diabetes type 2 since Oct 2008. I do water exercise and have a hard time controlling drops in my blood sugar while I exercise. Any help with this too would be greatly appreciated.

Expert Answers (1)

03/22/10 12:44 PM

Hello SlimTerri5: Great job with the activity, one of my favorites, as you mention the increased activity requires a steady supply of fuel and continues to replete glycogen-glucose muscle stores. Glucose demands are dependent on intensity and duration of these activities. The adjustments include: potential change in medications, (your medications pre-programmed behavior, and the use of food to smooth glucose needs): Specific to your swimming, assuming about 1-2 hours of duration, and considering your individual response: Check glucose levels before, during, and especially after the swim-log your response.

ADA recommends avoiding exercise if fasting glucose levels are >250 mg/dl and ketones are present in the urine, and using caution if glucose levels are >300 mg/dl and no ketones present. Generally, glucose levels

  • below 90-100 mg/dl before exercise, require a
  • snack of 25-50 grams of carb, (intensity and duration dependent and your response), and
  • retest in 15 minutes, if the glucose is 180-300 mg/dl, and the duration of swim is 1-2 hours, supplement with a 10-15 grams snack; a 1/2 sandwich, yogurt, milk within the gram amount. Meals and snacks are key to recognizing trends and making treatment adjustments. Keep a source of fast acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose gel or tablets; Sweet Tarts; juice box) close by for hypoglycemic emergency. Muscles in action will metabolize and enhance the glucose lowering effect of your oral med and exercise further, posing a very real risk for hypoglycemia. Staying well-hydrated before, during and after exercise is also important for preventing erratic blood sugars and heat stroke .The metabolic rate falls during rest about 15%, vs. awake levels, having a night time snack should help with eliminating the risk of night hypos, as always 'will depends' on your body's total metabolism, (muscle mass, condition, age, vascular conditions-to mention a few). Check glucose before bed, suggest <150-140 mg/dl. Be your best.
    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show

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