Exercise and Lows

[svarela002]

Does anyone have issues with keeping blood sugar up while exercising? Whether it be cardio, cycling, or spin class, my BG levels go low. I have tried to raise my BG before to around 170-180, but I think this is jacking with my A1C. errrgghhh!! So when I go low, I am essentially feeding my insulin, which seems so wrong...

[henry2002]

If the exercise is planned you can lower your bolus insulin the meal before you exercise. The amount you reduce your insulin is an individual thing and you will have to try reducing the bolus gradually until you find what works for you. I know for vigorous exercise I can reduce my bolus the meal before the exercise by 60%, for a moderate paced 45 minute walk by 50%. Also don't delay exercising after reducing the bolus or you will end up too high. This method has worked very well for me and my blood sugar usually stays within target range.

[TommyC1]

Any sort of regular exercise program needs to be counted when setting up your basal. It may also affect your bolus I:C ratio but I'd look at the basal first.
If I'm going to exercise all day, skiing, hiking, canoe tripping or things like that, I find it best to reduce my basal insulin by a few units. Otherwise I will end up feeding my basal for the duration. Like you say that kind of goes against the whole point of it.

[CarrieJett]

If I am doing exercise in the evening, I have to eat around 30 grams of carbs for an hour. I have tried other methods, like taking less insulin, but feeding it seems to be the only thing that works. Instead of raising the BG, I eat my snack immediately before the exercise, so I start with a normal BG, and the sugar seems to keep in step with the drop. I just did CGM, and my BG stays steady with this method. Of course, you have to eat something easily digestable, like a granola bar or licorice log, or get cramps!

If you take the same class or do the same workout regularly, you can do an experiment day, where you stop and test 2 or 3 times to see when you start dropping in the session. Then you will have an idea of what your BG does. I hate testing in front of people, but I have done it before and just made an announcement.

I also highly recommend getting a week of Continuous Glucose Monitoring if your insurance covers it! It helped me a lot!
Good luck!