Making it Safe

Below are some tips to help make sure you get the most out of your exercise:

• Check with your doctor before beginning to exercise. The following are some questions you may want to ask:
  • -   Can I exercise safely?
  • -   How hard? How long?
  • -   Should I check my heart rate? What should it be?
  • -   Is it safe for me to lift weights?
  • -   Should I take less insulin or fewer pills before I eat?
  • -   Do I need to eat extra food before I exercise?
• Start slowly. Five or ten minutes a day is a good beginning if you have been inactive.
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and cotton socks. Check your feet after exercise for any signs of poor shoe fit or injury.
• Wear medical identification (e.g., bracelet, pendant).
• Check your blood sugar before and after exercise. This is especially important for anyone who takes insulin, a sulfonylurea, or a meglitinide. These medicines may create risk for low blood sugar.
• Avoid exercising if your blood sugar is above 300 mg/dL or under 70 mg/dL.
• Carry something to eat that contains glucose. Use it to prevent or treat low blood sugar if needed.
• Stretch and warm up at the beginning of your activity. This helps prevent injuries.
• Drink more liquids that contain no calories, like water, when exercising.
• If you have leg or chest pains during exercise, stop exercising and call your doctor.