Teenage Exercise

Physical Activity

Physical activity is good for everyone, not just people with diabetes.  It helps you to good, look better and keep trim.  It can actually be fun too.

Physical activity helps to lower blood glucose levels.  This is because when you are active, the muscles are encouraged to take up glucose from your bloodstream for energy.  Activity helps your body to use insulin more efficiently so you may find that your blood glucose test results because more stable too.

Regular physical activity also helps you to: -

• Keep to a healthy weight for your height, which helps you to control your diabetes
• Improve muscle tone
• Keep your heart in good shape by improving your circulation
• Keep your lungs healthy
• Feel good

If you are not sure what to do with your insulin before you start doing any physical activity, you should speak to your nurse to seek advice as it is very important to get your insulin right.

Fact File

Insulin is absorbed more quickly from an active area.  For example, if you inject into your leg before getting on your bike or playing sport, your insulin will be absorbed more quickly and work faster because your activity means you are using that area more.  Before doing physical activity, it may be better to inject into your stomach unless you are doing sit ups, it's normally inactive.

Hypos after physical sports

Hypos can happen up to 36 hours after a lot of physical activity.  That is a long time and it's because when you have stopped being active, muscles will still continue to use extra glucose to replace their stores.  This means that it's important that you have plenty of starchy carbohydrates at your next meal or snack, such as a sandwich etc.  It's a good idea to eat within an hour after finishing an activity, and always have a good supper at bedtime to help your body build up its stores.

Sex and hypos

Sex is also a form of exercise and you do not want to have a hypo during it.  Take extra carbohydrate before exercise or have some sugar handy, and check your partner knows what to do if you have a hypo.  It is always best to discuss your diabetes with your partner so they are aware if anything is to happen.