Exercise and Big drop in BG!!

miraja · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2007, 02:36 PM

Hi,
I took my BG at 2pm (127), then did some vigorous housecleaning for half an hour, then I took my BG again at 2:30pm (69). I had eaten lunch at noon. I am amazed that exercise can have such a huge affect on BG. I'm having a glass of juice right now. Is this a "normal" reaction to exercise? How can I keep my levels from dropping so fast?
I need to exercise to lose weight..........ooooh, this seems complicated!

Miraja

Ronin · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2007, 05:40 PM

Hi Miraja!

First of all "Welcome" to the world of the Pre-D's. Our situation is a bit different, our bodies still produce insulin, and to some extent, use it effectively. At best we Pre-D's are in the "honeymoon phase" and might be able to avoid consumating the marriage to Type-2 if we are careful.

Can a half hour of activity cut your blood glucose in half? It seems that it did, at least this time. I highly recommend that you read "Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes" by Richard Jackson, MD and Amy Tenderich (Marloe & Company ISBN: 13:978-1-56924-272-8) This was recommened to me during a recent "crisis" and reading it clarified a whole lot and calmed me down.

Yes, exercise is the only way, combined with good nutrition, to effectively lose weight. Personally, I've dropped, and kept off, over 70 pounds. I will not say it was easy -- it wasn't and there were all kinds of ups-and-downs along the way. Fortunatley I absolutely love my personal form of exercise -- Tandem Bicycling and miss it every day when schedule or weather prevents me from doing it.

Hang around the forums and you will learn a lot about yourself. Hang around a bit longer and you will be sharing advice with your fellow Pre-D's and perhaps never become a Type-2. The memebers even put up with the various crisies that we all have from time-to-time.

CarrieScott · #3 (**permalink**) 06-29-2007, 05:46 PM

I have a HUGE problem with dropping BS and exercise.

Last time I worked out moderately for about 20 minutes, I dropped to 43.

I have to carry a bottle of OJ with me and take a sip every few minutes. I also keep my BS meter on me or the machine I am working out on to check about every 10-15 minutes.

It's a pain and sometimes scary! Admittedly, this is one of the main reasons I am not exercising regularly.

kel4han · #4 (**permalink**) 06-29-2007, 10:52 PM

Housecleaning is the culprit of quick certain lows for me too, but running, or anything strenuous causes me to go high and then lower many hours later. They forget to tell you all these details. Stick around here and keep learning all the details your doctor will never tell you! Welcome!

mg_2204 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2007, 06:30 AM

Since I've joined a gym I've been monitoring BG a lot more.

I have huge drops at times. The first few ones made me panic. But I don't always drop. BG does come down a bit but sometimes not significantly --especially when I'm already around let's say 6.2 mmol/L (111 mg/dL). And sometimes BG goes a bit higher! The joys of diabetes...

I can honestly say that after 4-5 weeks of gym BG is more stable and doesn't play up that much nor that often now. The body adjusts I guess? I also changed a few things I must say, what I eat before exercise and --most importantly-- when. When I have my meds affects the drop too, even if I'm on Long Acting Metformin. I would have never thought...

carokaye · #6 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kel4han

Housecleaning is the culprit of quick certain lows for me too, but running, or anything strenuous causes me to go high and then lower many hours later. They forget to tell you all these details. Stick around here and keep learning all the details your doctor will never tell you! Welcome!

I say quit that darn housework, it's a killer!!!!!

mg_2204 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carokaye

I say quit that darn housework, it's a killer!!!!!

Larry H. · #8 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 06:15 PM

Welcome and don't panic.. I just looked at my chart and normal fasting numbers range from 70 to 90, so 69 is barely under that.. If your not on medication I wouldn't think it would drop a whole lot more unless something else is going on. If your taking medication then that can be the cause? I personally am not taking any and have lost about 34 pounds in 9 or so months.. I have a lower 70's number once in a while too but don't worry about it.. I am more worried about higher ones.. Yes loosing weight will be a big help in staving off farther problems hopefully. Thats what I aim at thru diet and exercise.

miraja · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2007, 08:33 PM

Thanks for all of the input! The support is very encouraging! I am learning SO much and feel more empowered as I learn about how my system functions and how my food intake affects me. Thanks all!

Holly

jvetter18 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-05-2007, 06:30 AM

i wouldn't worry too much about a 69. Since you're not on meds, there is hardly any danger of a hypo event w/ excercise. If anything, your liver will dump some glucose if you getting too low.

I don't take any meds or insulin, and i've never been below 67 after excercise (which was an hour on the ellip before lunch!).

everyone's different though, so i would stay vigilant until you have a routine.