Exercise Guidelines for Type 1 Diabetes Management

Pre-Exercise Preparation

Blood Glucose Monitoring

• Check blood glucose 30 minutes before exercise
• Target range: 126-180 mg/dL (7-10 mmol/L)
• If <126 mg/dL: consume 15-30g carbohydrates
• If >250 mg/dL: check ketones and postpone if positive

Equipment Checklist

• Glucose meter and test strips
• Fast-acting glucose tablets/gel
• Water bottle
• Medical ID
• Phone for emergencies

During Exercise

Monitoring Guidelines

• Check glucose every 30 minutes for longer sessions
• Watch for hypoglycemia symptoms
• Reduce insulin doses as prescribed by your doctor

Activity Types

1. Aerobic Exercise

   • Start with 10-15 minutes
   • Gradually increase to 30-60 minutes
   • Examples: walking, swimming, cycling

2. Strength Training

   • 2-3 sessions per week
   • Focus on major muscle groups
   • Use lighter weights initially

Post-Exercise Care

Immediate Actions

• Check blood glucose immediately after
• Monitor for delayed hypoglycemia (up to 24 hours)
• Record exercise response in diabetes log

Recovery

• Hydrate adequately
• Consume post-exercise snack if needed
• Adjust evening insulin as recommended

Safety Considerations

Warning Signs to Stop

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Excessive sweating
• Confusion
• Shakiness
• Blurred vision

Emergency Protocol

1. Stop exercise immediately
2. Check blood glucose
3. Follow hypoglycemia treatment if needed
4. Contact emergency services if symptoms persist