Exercising with Type 1 Diabetes:
When it comes to exercising as a type 1 diabetic, there are some things that you need to be aware of to keep your blood sugar regulated. So, tune in for some exercise tips with a type 1 diabetic. I will discuss what exercises will help lower your blood sugar so there is not any room for rage blousing. What I do different if I plan on doing heavy exercising, and difference between treating sugars with pens versus pumps.
Exercises that Help Lower High Blood Sugar:
Keep in mind that this may not help you, but it has worked for me and others, maybe give them a try! Squats, walks, calf raises, and swimming has helped me get my sugars down all the time. Although, I am not always going to go swim when my blood sugar is high, it is a way I keep my sugars good in the summer.
Squats engage core muscles like your quads and glutes that are high-volume glucose consumers. So, even just 10 squats can help lower your blood sugar levels. Walking causes your muscles to contract, which engages the glucose to move directly from the bloodstream for energy. Calf raises create small muscle contractions that can improve glucose intake. So, when you feel like you are more insulin resistant, I recommend the three I just listed above.
Swimming also lowers blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity because it pulls glucose from the bloodstream for energy. Personally, I keep lots of electrolytes near me while swimming to keep my energy up, stay hydrated, and keep my levels steady.
Hydration is NECESSARY:
Hydration is necessary even more so as a type 1 diabetic. According to “diabetesfoodhub.org”, those high blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work overtime to filter the extra glucose into the urine, increasing dehydration risks. We do not want another organ failing on us, do we? Anyways, I usually REALLY like water when I work out or if it is hot outside, but if you do not, there are plenty of ways to flavor it. Also, eating fruits and veggies also keep you hydrated.
What do I do for a Heavy Work Out Day?
I enjoy playing pick-up basketball and now I currently play intramural ball. So, when I know I will be playing basketball, for instance, on Thursdays, I tend to do 1 unit less of my basal or my long-acting insulin. I also make sure I have protein before playing, while having low snacks and water with me in the gym. Before playing I try to have my sugar levels between 115 and 150, so it gives some wiggle room. It is important to stay hydrated, since heavy workouts can also spike blood sugar levels due to adrenaline.
Shots versus Pump uses for exercise:
I am currently on shots, but I am switching over to a pump soon, so this will be what I know. As states previously, I am on shots, so when I have planned activity for the day, I do a lower number of units of my basal (long-acting insulin), so I do not experience easy lows when exercising. However, when I decide to go play after doing my normal basal rate, I just make sure to have had protein before along with quick carbs or juice boxes in case I do go low.
For pump users, I believe you are able to temporary stop basal or lower it. For the Tandem tslim it enables you to put an exercise mode on, however, this needs to be turned on at least 60 minutes before exercising according to beyondtype1. If you are going to do more of a high-intensity exercise, then you are able to switch the tandem tslim to manual mode. This mode also applies to some other pumps as well. I believe the Omnipod is one of them.
Thanks!
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Peace
Gracie
https://beyondtype1.org/exercise-with-closed-loop-insulin-pump/
https://diatribe.org/exercise/4-exercises-lower-blood-sugar
https://www.diabetesincontrol.com/sitting-calf-raises-and-diabetes-control/
https://diabetesfoodhub.org/blog/hydration-unsung-hero-diabetes-health
