GETTING STARTED
While most people can safely start exercising, if you are starting a new exercise activity program, particularly if you have previously been inactive, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first to make sure the program is suitable for you. Start slowly and build up gradually as your fitness level improves. Find activities you enjoy, as this will make it easier to stick to. And make sure you keep wellhydrated, particularly if exercising in the heat.
If you are taking insulin or diabetes medications that can cause low blood glucose levels (hypos) you may need to adjust your medication doses or eat additional carbohydrate foods to prevent a hypo - discuss this with your doctor or diabetes educator. Monitoring your blood glucose levels before and after exercise can help you to learn how exercise affects your blood glucose levels and take steps to reduce the risk of hypos.
In people with type 1 diabetes, exercise may increase or decrease blood glucose levels, depending on several factors, including the intensity and duration of exercise, the timing of exercise in relation to insulin and meals and the type of exercise you are doing. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is important to learn how exercise affects blood glucose levels and how to adjust food and insulin doses to manage blood glucose levels during and following exercise.
If you have diabetes-related complications including retinopathy (eye disease), neuropathy (nerve damage) or history of foot ulcers, there are certain exercises that may not be suitable so it is important to speak with your doctor for more information before starting a new exercise program.