U-M Type 1 Diabetes 101 | Module 5 | Insulin Delivery Methods [739e6f]
Post Time: 2025-07-29
When engaging in intense physical activity, it's essential to be aware of how your body responds to the exertion. One crucial aspect to monitor is blood sugar levels. As you push yourself physically, your body undergoes a series of changes that can impact blood sugar regulation.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations During Exercise: What You Need to Know
During intense physical activity, the body's demand for glucose increases significantly. This leads to an increase in insulin production as well. However, this process is not always smooth sailing. As you exercise intensely, your muscles consume more glucose than usual, causing blood sugar levels to drop temporarily.
Some common symptoms of low blood sugar during intense physical activity include:
- Shakiness or tremors
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Confusion and disorientation
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
Why Blood Sugar Levels Drop During Exercise
One reason why blood sugar levels drop during intense physical activity is due to the excessive consumption of glucose by muscles. As you exercise, your body's muscle cells require more energy, which they obtain from breaking down glucose. However, this process can be interrupted if you haven't eaten or taken sufficient amounts before engaging in such activities.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels During Exercise
To avoid low blood sugar symptoms during intense physical activity:
- Eat a balanced meal that includes complex carbohydrates and protein 1-3 hours before exercise
- Bring snacks with you, such as fruits or energy bars to boost glucose levels quickly
- Monitor your body's response to exercise by checking blood sugar regularly
The Importance of Insulin Sensitivity During Exercise
Insulin sensitivity plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar during intense physical activity. If you have high insulin resistance, it can lead to complications such as decreased muscle mass and increased fat accumulation.
However, the good news is that regular exercise has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity over time. Engaging in aerobic activities like jogging or cycling for at least 150 minutes a week can significantly enhance your body's ability to use glucose efficiently.
Blood Sugar Management Tips Before and After Exercise
To maintain stable blood sugar levels during intense physical activity:
- Avoid eating high-carb foods close to exercise
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration which may lead low blood pressure.
- Consider consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing blood sugar while engaging in strenuous activities
Exercise is an essential part of maintaining overall health and well-being. By understanding how your body responds to physical activity, you can better manage symptoms associated with intense workouts like low blood sugar levels.
Maintaining Stable Blood Sugar Levels: The Bottom Line
While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new workout routine or fitness goal, prioritize managing blood sugar during intense physical activities. Monitor your body closely and take necessary precautions by adjusting what you eat before exercise
In this video, we'll show you alternative methods for delivering insulin other natural supplements for blood sugar than using a vial of insulin and a syringe. We'll discuss the basics of how insulin pens and insulin pumps work and how they are used. The advice in this video is not intended to replace the instructions from your diabetes team. Please talk to your team about how to tailor this information to meet your needs. This video effect of fasting on blood sugar is part of a cortisol blood sugar wider series about managing diabetes. You can find the full playlist here: ------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Michigan Medicine’s YouTube channel for upcoming videos and future live streams featuring our experts answering your questions. ------------------------------------------------------- Follow Michigan Medicine on Social: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: #MichiganMedicine #Diabetes #T1D #Type1 #DiabetesMellitus