Adjust Insulin Dose for Exercise
Many people underestimate how much exercise can lower blood glucose. If you enjoy active sports or even a brisk walk after lunch, you might be at risk for developing hypoglycemia during the exercise, or for several hours afterward. If you plan to exercise at some point after eating, you must lower your bolus dose to compensate. For added safety, keep glucose tablets with you during and after the exercise period.
Read article: Managing Your Blood Glucose During Exercise
The table below shows how bolus dose adjustments should be made for certain levels of exercise and blood glucose. This table is just an example - your situation may vary. Ask your doctor which exercises are right for you, and what specific adjustments you should make to your bolus dose.
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Examples of insulin adjustment for exercise |
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| Duration and intensity of exercise | |
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| Blood glucose level before exercise | |
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Long duration, moderate intensity. (Examples: 60 min. or more of playing team sports, golfing, cycling or swimming.)
Retest your blood glucose level after each hour of activity. Eat glucose tablet(s) if necessary.
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| Reduce insulin by 1 unit for every hour of activity. | |
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| Reduce insulin by 1 unit for every hour of activity. | |
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| Reduce insulin by 1 unit. | |
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| Moderate duration, high intensity. (Examples: 30 to 60 min. of running, high-impact aerobics, or kickboxing.) |
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| Reduce insulin by 2 units. | |
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| Reduce insulin by 1 unit. | |
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| Moderate duration, moderate intensity. (Examples: 30 to 60 min. of fast walking, tennis, swimming or jogging.) | |
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| Reduce insulin by 1 unit. | |
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No adjustment needed for a glucose level of 121-179 mg/dL.
Reduce insulin by 1 unit for a glucose level of 100-120 mg/dL. |
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| Short duration, low intensity. (Examples: 30 min. of yoga, walking or leisurely bicycling.) | |
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| Reduce insulin by 1 unit. | |
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