FAQs on Endocrinology and Diabetes

Q- Diabetes & exercise

Ans- It's important to keep in mind that if you have diabetes, you always need to be prepared

 before exercising. Always speak with your diabetes care team prior to starting a new fitness routine.

 Keep in mind these points before starting your exercise session :

• If blood glucose levels are less than 90 mg per dl & you are on oral medication- take 3-4 tsp
• sugar before leaving for exercise.
• If blood glucose levels are less than 110 mg per dl & you are on insulin- take 3-4 tsp
• sugar before leaving for exercise.
• If blood glucose levels are more than 300 mg per dl (in case you are on insulin)- don't go for
• exercise until you speak to your healthcare team for further management.
• Make sure you are carrying some sugar or fruit or non diet soft drink or toffee (sugar candy)
• with you while working out because your sugars might just go low in between or after a work- out.
• Bring your glucose meter, since you'll want to check your glucose after every 30 minutes of exercise.

Sick day action plan for managing your diabetes.

Sick day management is important for people with diabetes in order to avoid hospitalization.

When you fall sick your body is under stress, due to which it releases some hormones to get rid 

of this stress condition. These hormones can lead to unexpected changes in the blood glucose levels.

Moreover, during illness, your appetite might vary, along with changes in your exercise or drug routine.

These changes can lead to further complications like Ketoacidosis etc. Thus keeping your blood

sugars under control when sick will prevent a lot of serious complications.

Please read the points mentioned below to manage your diabetes when sick:

Continue your diabetes medicines. Stress of being sick can cause blood sugars to increase unusually.

If you take oral diabetes medication, you will have to continue taking it. In case of stomach

upsets or vomiting or breathing difficulty, you might have to change some medication, for which

you should immediately consult your doctor. You may also need to start with insulin 

for a short period of time depending on your blood sugar control. In case, you are already

on insulin, you need to get your dose revised you're your doctor considering your present

sugar levels, even if you cannot eat your regular food.