What is the upper limit of a blood sugar at which a diabetic person should not engage in strenuous physical exercise?
I have a 5th grader who had a pre meal BG of 454, ate his lunch of 73 carb gms (after getting 5 units of Novalog insulin per parents instruction). He was to run a timed mile run in gym class immediately after lunch. I instructed not to run. I did not check for ketones because the blood sugar was so high, that it seemed to preclude any exercise. But I have not found much documentation of blood sugar levels and holding exercise, just the presence of ketones? Any input into this situation?
Carol, you are correct in saying that blood glucose levels of 454 is too high to initiate exercise.
What’s more, you should know that Novalog is a rapid acting insulin that is used in individuals with type I diabetes.
What I can tell you is that the ACSM specifically states that “exercise is not considered a component of treatment or method for lowering blood glucose in type 1 diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes are encouraged to exercise to gain other benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, but blood glucose must be in reasonable control (
Carol for some unknown reason my entire post would not go through so I am resending it.
According to the ACSM “Exercise is not considered a component of treatment or method for lowering blood glucose in type 1 diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes are encouraged to exercise to gain other benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, but blood glucose must be in reasonable control (