1. A few questions for you to think about……..

2. Do you exercise 4 times a week for 45 minutes, or 3 hours per week
Do you exercise 4 times a week for 45 minutes, or 3 hours per week? These are recommended UK guidelines 

3. What type of exercise do you do?
This is important as different types can affect your blood glucose in different ways.

4. These types can cause: Day to day = low levels
Short and sharp (squash, sprinting, ) = high glucose levels
Moderate/intermittent for up to 1.5 hours (classes, jogging, swimming, team sports) = high and/or low
Endurance over 1 hour (running, cycling) = low

5. Remember…day to day exercise can cause hypos
These things are good to do…
Walking
Climbing up stairs
Using the stairs rather than escalator
Housework
Shopping
Taking the dog for a walk
Getting off the bus a few stops early
Exercises in the house

6. Does having diabetes puts you off exercise
Does having diabetes puts you off exercise? This is quite common and the main reasons are hypoglycaemia and loss of diabetes control

7. If diabetes does put you off exercise ?
Think of the benefits which are:
It can improve your blood glucose control – although sometimes can be difficult with insulin/carbohydrate adjusting
It can make you use insulin better as your body becomes more sensitive, and you might need to reduce you daily insulin
It can improve your cardiovascular risk in the future
Regular exercise can make you feel better and happier

8. What blood glucose level do you aim for before exercise
What blood glucose level do you aim for before exercise? Most people aim for higher levels to prevent hypos Do you think this works? Or what problems might it cause?

9. First some questions on Hypoglycaemia
Have you ever had a hypo during or after exercise? You can have a hypo up to 12 hours after finishing exercise. Do you eat extra carbohydrate food to prevent hypos? This can be frustrating if trying to lose weight.

10. Next, hyperglycaemia (or high levels)
Have you experienced this? And why do levels go higher when they are supposed to go lower with exercise?
Some things you should know…..
High blood sugars can happen when exercising.
If your blood glucose is over 15.0 before exercise you should check for ketones.
High glucose can affect your performance and how you feel.

11. So……..
Has that provoked any questions about yourself? Do you feel you want to start exercising? Do you think you need to learn about how to manage your glucose levels? Do you have highs or lows when exercising? Do you struggle with weight and want to learn how to use exercise to lose weight?

12. The following section can help you with these questions and how to manage your diabetes 