Exercise Guidelines for the Diabetic
If you have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), regular exercise and physical activity can help you control your blood glucose levels as well as improve cardiovascular health and reduce abdominal fat. The appropriate exercise prescription for a diabetic includes several key components: conditioning (aerobic-based exercise), strengthening, balance, and flexibility.
Blood Sugar Goals
The following values are a comparison of target blood glucose levels for diabetics and non-diabetics:
| Target Glucose Levels | |||
| Values | ADA | ACE | Non-Diabetic |
| A1C | <7% | <6.5% | <4.0-5.6% |
| Before Meals (Fasting) | 90-130 mg/dL | <110 mg/dL | <100 mg/dL |
| 1-2 hours After Meals | <180 mg/dL | <140 mg/dL | <140 mg dL |
ADA – American Diabetes Association
ACE – American College of Endocrinology
- If your HbA1c value is 7%, your blood glucose levels probably ranged from 123-185 mg/dL over the previous two to three months. This translates to an average blood glucose level of 154 mg/dL.
- If your HbA1c value is 6.5%, your blood sugar probably ranged from 112-169 mg/dL over the previous two to three months or an average level of 140 mg/dL.
Maintain an Exercise and Blood Glucose Log
Glucose response to exercise can fluctuate unpredictably with each exercise session just by changing exercise modes or by varying the duration or intensity of a session. By keeping a daily glucose exercise log, you can better understand how your body responds and adapts to exercise. Continue reading
Karen Owoc
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