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Q: I have type 2 diabetes, controlled by diet only with no complications. My last HbA1c was 7.6 which the GP has advised me I need to lower.
I take lots of exercise. In the morning before eating I’ve noticed that I have heightened blood sugar levels after I’ve taken exercise. Why is this?
How is it best to tackle high sugar levels in the morning? Should I be eating before I exercise?
A: Everybody's blood glucose levels fluctuate slightly through the day dependent on the food we are eating, our amount of physical activity and some other less obvious factors such as weight, stress or illness.
Simplified, when we eat the body produces insulin to turn the carbohydrate in the food into energy which it can then use through physical activity or store for later (In most people round the tummy area). It also stores some reserves in the liver.
When you exercise strenuously you may use up your energy, your glucose reserves, in your blood and muscles. In that case the liver may release some of its store allowing the blood glucose level to rise unexpectedly.
Appropriate sized meals spread through the day are advisable, avoiding snacks. Everyone's blood glucose level tends to rise around waking time - you don't say what level yours reaches.
It would be worth discussing this with your care team as you may benefit from medication if you've done everything else to keep it down.
By Gwen Hall, DSN/Clinical Practice Educator, Surrey PCT
Information correct as of November 2009
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