Exercise is crucial for overall health and diabetes management, but it can be frustrating when it causes your blood sugar to rise instead of fall. Understanding why this happens can help you manage it effectively.
Certain forms of exercise, such as weightlifting, sprinting, and intense aerobic workouts, release glucose-raising hormones like glucagon and adrenaline. These hormones are necessary to provide your muscles with fuel during strenuous activity. Additionally, fasting before exercise can also lead to a spike in blood sugar levels.
While it may be tempting to avoid these types of exercises, they are actually beneficial for diabetes management. Anaerobic exercises, like resistance training, can increase insulin sensitivity and lead to lower blood sugar levels after the workout. Combining anaerobic with aerobic exercises can help balance the effects and bring blood sugar levels down more quickly.
Managing blood sugar levels during and after exercise may require adjustments to your insulin intake or insulin on board. Working closely with your medical team to develop an individualized plan is crucial. Keeping track of your experiences and learning from them can help you anticipate and manage future blood sugar spikes.
Ultimately, understanding the mechanisms behind blood sugar spikes during exercise can help shift your perspective from frustration to appreciation. With time and experimentation, you can develop a routine that allows you to enjoy the benefits of exercise while keeping your blood sugar levels under control.