In some cases, a person living with type 2 diabetes may experience hyperglycemia during physical activity. This can occur when the body releases certain hormones that increase glucose production and stop insulin.
Physical activity can play an important part in managing type 2 diabetes. It can help a person to better control their blood sugars and aid in weight management.
When performing exercise, it is more common for people living with diabetes to experience low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. However, it is possible for people living with type 2 diabetes to have high blood sugars, or hyperglycemia, during physical activity.
This may occur if the body experiences stress during intense periods of physical activity. The body may respond by releasing stress hormones that can cause blood glucose levels to rise.
Typically, physical activity causes blood sugar levels to drop. However, in some cases, exercise can instead raise blood glucose levels.
Usually, physical activity improves insulin sensitivity. This term describes how responsive a person’s cells are to insulin. However, certain activities, such as weightlifting or sprinting, may cause the body to release stress hormones, which can affect the way the body uses insulin.
For example, intense activity may cause the body to release adrenaline. This hormone can not only stop the release of insulin, but can also stimulate the liver to release glucose. As such, this can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Health experts may refer to this as transient post-exercise hyperglycemia.
Additionally, the food a person consumes before or during physical activity can also contribute towards high blood sugar levels if their body is not responding correctly to insulin. If a person is using insulin therapy to manage their blood sugars, injecting too little can also result in hyperglycemia. This is because as the muscles cannot use the glucose in the blood for fuel, causing it to build up in the blood.
Tips to help a person manage their blood sugars while exercising may include:
- choosing moderate-intensity aerobic workouts, or circuit weight training with light weight and high repetitions
- practicing relaxations techniques to help minimize the effect of adrenaline
- if working out in the mornings, consider working out later due to the dawn phenomenon
- talking to the diabetes healthcare team about adjusting or changing diabetes medications
- avoiding excessive amounts of carbohydrates before and during workouts
Other strategies can include:
- checking blood glucose levels prior to and during exercise
- try exercising at the same time of day to better understand blood glucose trends
- consider taking a smaller dose of insulin pre-exercise if a person notices their blood sugars tend to rise with exercise
- maintain hydration before and during exercise
While it is possible for blood sugar levels to rise during physical activity, it is more common for a person to experience low glucose levels. Health experts may refer to this as exercise-induced hypoglycemia.
This can occur due to physical activity increasing the muscles demand for glucose, and making cells more sensitive to insulin.
To help prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia, it is advisable for a person living with diabetes to regularly check their blood sugar levels. If a person notices their blood sugars are low, they can apply the rule of 15.
This strategy involves taking 15 grams of fast acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets. A person should then recheck their blood glucose after 15 minutes. If blood sugar remains low they should have another 15 g serving of carbohydrates. They can repeat these steps every 15 minutes until their blood glucose is at a suitable level.
Blood sugar levels can rise in a person living with type 2 diabetes during periods of intense physical activity. This can occur when the body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline. This can stimulate the liver to release glucose and stop the pancreas producing insulin. As a result, a person may experience high blood sugars. Health experts may refer to this as transient post-exercise hyperglycemia.
It is also possible for a person with diabetes to experience hypoglycemia during a workout. This is because physical activity can increase the demand for glucose, which can make cells more sensitive to insulin.
As such, it is advisable for a person living with type 2 diabetes to regularly check their blood sugar levels while exercising. This can allow them to make the necessary adjustments to correct their blood glucose levels.