I’m afraid I might have a hypo
This is a common concern for people with type 1 diabetes.
In simple terms there are three ways that glucose can be managed during exercise. The easy way to remember these is through the mnemonic ‘ICE’.
I-Insulin adjustment
C-Carbohydrate for exercise
E- Exercise – changing type or intensity
The EXTOD website provides further detailed guidance on this. You can sign up free to access this.
Unplanned physical activity could increase your risk of hypos – planning ahead and using the ICE mnemonic can help reduce the risk.
Tips
- Bring some fast acting glucose, like sweets with you.
- Check your blood glucose before, during and in the hours after exercise, and particularly before bed.
- Keep a journal of specific activities to help record the effects that exercise has on your sugars. You can share this with your medical team.
- Consider exercising with a friend or carry your diabetes ID on you.