Is It OK To Exercise When Blood Sugar Is High? Know The Rules For Diabetes

Illustration of exercise when blood sugar is high (Pexels/Tim Samuel)

JAKARTA – Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is categorized into two types, namely type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Each type has a different cause. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the beta cells of the pancreas not producing enough insulin and not working effectively.

While type 2 diabetes is related to a lifestyle or eating a full-carbo diet, resulting in insulin resistance. The amount of glucose from carbohydrates in the blood is too high because insulin is resistant or does not effectively process glucose in cells into energy.

In most of the literature, it is recommended for someone with diabetes to exercise regularly. Activities that burn calories and build muscle mass are needed to control blood sugar and reduce the risk of complications.

However, it turns out that there are rules that are often overlooked regarding exercise, especially when blood sugar is high. As reported by the official website of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, patients with blood sugar levels of 250-300 mg/dL are advised to lower the first.

This means that when blood sugar is high, it is not recommended to exercise because it will become weak. In conditions of high blood sugar, insulin cannot effectively process glucose. This makes people with high blood sugar feel weak and urinate frequently.

“Diabetic patients like this cannot be forced to exercise immediately. This will make sweat and limp. They have to lower his blood sugar first to below 200 mg/dL”, said a specialist in internal medicine at National Central General Hospital dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo of Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Dr. dr. Dyah Purnamasari, Sp.PD.,KEMD..

If patients with blood sugar conditions are too low or below 100 mg/dL, it is recommended to eat a snack before exercising.

Diabetics need to choose the type of exercise with moderate intensity. Like walking for a duration of 30 minutes and done 5 times a week.

But if someone with diabetes is accompanied by kidney disorders and other problems, it is necessary to consult a physiotherapist first, the type of exercise that is suitable and its duration.

Then, when is the right time to exercise for someone with diabetes?

Based on a study published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology in 2017, exercising immediately after eating can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. According to Betul Hatipoglu, an endocrinologist, glucose levels peak at 90 minutes after eating.

That is, exercising can reduce glucose concentrations and it is recommended to exercise for 30 minutes after eating. However, it is important to understand that everyone's condition is different. Then get expert recommendations according to your condition.