How to Handle Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia During Workouts Safely

Written By The Additive Space

Staying active is essential for improving glucose control, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being for clients with diabetes. However, both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can occur during workouts, posing potential risks. Fitness professionals play a critical role in recognizing and managing these conditions safely to ensure clients can exercise with confidence.

What is Hypoglycemia, and How to Handle It?

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL. It can cause dizziness, shakiness, sweating, confusion, or, in severe cases, fainting.

Safety Protocols for Managing Hypoglycemia:

  1. Monitor Glucose Levels Before and During Exercise
    Encourage clients to use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) or glucometer to check their blood sugar levels before starting a workout. If levels are below 100 mg/dL, a quick snack with 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, like fruit or glucose tablets, can help prevent a drop during exercise.

  2. Recognize Early Symptoms
    Teach clients to recognize early signs of hypoglycemia, such as lightheadedness or fatigue, and take action immediately.

  3. Stop the Workout Immediately
    If hypoglycemia occurs, have the client stop exercising and consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. Examples include:

    • 4 oz (1/2 cup) of juice or regular soda.

    • 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey.

    • Glucose tablets or gels (follow package instructions).

  4. Recheck Blood Sugar
    After 15 minutes, the client should recheck their glucose levels. If still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the process. Once blood sugar levels return to a safe range, they can resume light activity if they feel comfortable.

  5. Plan Ahead
    Encourage clients to bring snacks, a water bottle, and a glucometer or CGM to every workout session. Preparing for potential drops can prevent emergencies.

What is Hyperglycemia, and How to Handle It?

Hyperglycemia is when blood glucose levels rise above 180 mg/dL. While exercise can help lower blood sugar over time, starting a workout with extremely high levels (above 250 mg/dL) can exacerbate the issue and lead to dangerous conditions like ketoacidosis.

Safety Protocols for Managing Hyperglycemia:

  1. Check Blood Sugar Before Exercise
    Exercise should be postponed if blood sugar levels exceed 250 mg/dL, especially if ketones are present. High-intensity activity can further increase glucose levels due to the release of stress hormones.

  2. Hydrate
    Encourage clients to drink plenty of water to help flush excess glucose from the body.

  3. Monitor for Symptoms
    Symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urination, headache, and fatigue. If these occur, stop the workout immediately.

  4. Modify or Postpone Workouts
    Opt for light activities like walking instead of high-intensity exercise. Resume regular workouts once blood sugar levels stabilize.

  5. Seek Medical Attention if Needed
    If glucose levels remain high despite interventions or if the client feels unwell, advise them to consult their healthcare provider.

Proactive Tips for Fitness Professionals

  • Develop a Pre-Workout Checklist: Work with clients to establish pre-exercise routines, including blood sugar checks, hydration, and appropriate nutrition. Our Client Onboarding Kit includes a pre-workout checklist.

  • Educate Clients: Teach clients how their glucose levels respond to different exercise intensities and types.

  • Communicate with Healthcare Teams: Collaborate with clients’ doctors or Diabetes educators to tailor fitness plans to their needs.

  • Keep Emergency Supplies On Hand: During sessions, always have glucose tablets and snacks available in case of hypoglycemia.

Conclusion

Understanding how to manage hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia during workouts is essential for creating a safe and supportive fitness environment for clients with Diabetes. By staying proactive, prepared, and informed, fitness professionals can empower clients to achieve their health and fitness goals without fear.

Promoting safe exercise is a game-changer for clients managing Diabetes. With the right strategies, you can help them thrive inside and outside the gym.

The Additive Space

IDEAS ARE OUR PASSION…FUELED BY COFFEE + TRAVEL

Our ideas come from a variety of places, but mostly extensive travel and too many coffee shops too count! ;)

We pull experience from our degrees; BS Mechanical Engineering, MSc BioEngineering with a focus in Medical Device Design, BS Civil Engineering, and MS Mechanical Engineering with a focus in High Speed Fluid Dynamics.

Our team's work experience spans international borders and includes; research anchored in cardiovascular pathology and medical device design, component research and design for liquid propulsion systems, liquid propulsion component testing, liquid propulsion systems testing, and work with the International Space Station.

With engineering backgrounds, years of practice and a passion for design, we have what it takes to help develop and foster your ideas.

AMANDA DAVIS

Amanda previously worked as a Certified Operations Controller for the International Space Station (ISS) at NASA's Payload Operations Integration Center. During this time, she oversaw biotechnology-based experiments and payloads operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the ISS. These included, but were not limited to, cardiovascular and stem cell growth and manipulation in zero-gravity space environments. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on transportation and structures and over 6 years of experience in this field.

TRAVIS DAVIS

Travis began his professional career as a wildland firefighter team lead in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with 6+ years of experience at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center as an award-winning Liquid Propulsion Design and Test Engineer. He specialized in utilizing metal, polymer and resin additive manufacturing while at NASA and holds NASA patents in that field. After being chosen as a George J. Mitchell Scholar, he earned a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Trinity College Dublin, with a focus on Medical Device Design and earned his Private Pilot license during his time at NASA.

http://www.theadditivespace.com
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