Exercise

How can I exercise safely?

1. Know when to exercise:

• 3 - 5 times per week for at least 20 minutes
• wait 20 to 30 minutes after a meal
• avoid exercise when your diabetes is out of control (over 300mg/dl)
• avoid exercise when your insulin is at it's peak level

2. Get your doctors approval before you start a new exercise program.

3. Monitor your blood sugar level before and after you exercise. You may need to adjust your diet or insulin.

4. Get good walking/exercise shoes. Make sure they are comfortable and fit properly.

5. Warm-up and cool-down. This is a low level exercise at the beginning and end of exercise. Warm-up and cool-down should last 5 minutes each. (Such as walking slower, then picking up the pace.)

6. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.

7. Always carry some kind of sugar with you in case your blood sugar gets too low (hard candy, fruit juice, sugar packets)

8. Exercise with your family or friends, especially when starting a new exercise program. Tell them about your diabetes and what to do if a problem arises.

9. Carry identification and money for a phone call when away from home in case your need help.