Physical activity lowers your blood glucose level, so it is important to eat some form of carbohydrate before, possibly during, and after your activity – especially if it is strenuous or lasts a long time.
Hypos can happen up to 36 hours after strenuous or prolonged physical activity, so you might need to adjust your medication or carbohydrate intake to compensate. For planned exercise, reducing your insulin would be the preferred choice, while additional carbohydrate would be needed for unplanned exercise. Some activities like strenuous swimming still need extra carbohydrate. Your healthcare professional will be able to help with what works best for you.
Reviewed: July 2012
Next review: October 2013