Advertisement
question

Is it safe to exercise if my blood glucose level is high?

American Diabetes Association
American Diabetes Association
answer

Being able to exercise with high blood glucose depends on how high and how much insulin you have on board. If your blood glucose is higher than 300 mg/dl, you should not exercise until you have taken some fast-acting insulin and your blood glucose level is below 250 mg/dl. The problem is this: If your glucose is high and you don't have enough insulin in your body to use the glucose, your cells will continue to signal they need glucose for fuel, and your liver will continue to put out that glucose. Without insulin to let the glucose into the cells, the glucose keeps building up in your blood, pushing your blood glucose levels higher and higher.

If you have enough insulin available, exercise may actually help lower your glucose. In fact, many athletes raise their blood glucose before exercise on purpose to create a bit of a buffer so they won't go low during their activity.

Continue Learning about Living with Diabetes

How to build your diabetes healthcare team
How to build your diabetes healthcare team
Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease that affects multiple systems in your body. One of the most important things you can do when managing type 2 diab...
Read More
Protect your teeth and gums from diabetes
Protect your teeth and gums from diabetes
Dental health and diabetes go together. Diabetes makes gum disease more likely, and preventing and treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar c...
Read More
Is it ok to drink apple cider and water with diabetes?
Ideally, you should get cider that is sugar-free if you have diabetes. Learn more from our experts a...
More Answers
What's the best workout for you?
What's the best workout for you?What's the best workout for you?What's the best workout for you?What's the best workout for you?
Learn how discovering your exercise personality can help you find a workout routine to stick with and enjoy. Do you find yourself making up excuses n...
Start Slideshow

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.