Services
Mercy Dialysis Center
Exercise and Diabetes
Benefits of Exercise for Diabetics:
- Exercise lowers blood glucose.
- Exercise helps your body use insulin better.
- Exercise lowers blood pressure and helps improve “good” cholesterol.
- Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise helps your body retain protein and improve strength.
- Exercise improves sleep and helps relieve stress.
- Exercise helps keep you flexible and strong.
Guidelines for Exercise When on Dialysis
Check blood glucose before exercising. Start with the following guidelines and modify them to meet your needs. Learn how your body reacts to exercise. Everyone is different.
Blood glucose under 100 mg.: Take 15 gm of carbohydrate. Wait 30 minutes. Recheck blood glucose. Do not exercise if under 100mg.
Blood glucose 100-150 mg.: Take 15 gm carbohydrate for each ½ hour you will be exercising. Check blood glucose after exercising. You may need another 15 gm carbohydrate after exercising as your muscles keep burning glucose after exercise.
Blood glucose 150 to 200mg.: May not need a snack before exercising. (If unsure, start with 15 grams initially.) Check glucose after exercise.
Blood glucose over 200mg.: Do not need a snack before exercising unless exercise will be extended. Check blood glucose after exercising.
Blood glucose over 300mg.: Do not exercise – contact your physician.
Examples of 15 grams carbohydrate: 1 fruit, 1 cup milk, 1 starch/bread
