What’s better for lowering blood sugar? A walk before or after eating?

Instead of asking, “Should I walk before or after eating?” a better question for people with diabetes or prediabetes to ask is: “What is my blood sugar before and after exercise, and is it safe to exercise?”

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Walk Before of After Eating to Lower Blood Glucose

Should I walk before or after eating?”

A walk, no matter when you take it, will generally lower blood sugar (glucose) levels. But because there are many variables involved, it is difficult to say exactly how much a person’s blood glucose will drop. These variables include walking intensity and walking duration, as well as the quantity and type of food that you’re eating.

Instead of asking, “Should I walk before or after eating?” a better question for people with diabetes or prediabetes to ask is: “What is my blood sugar before and after exercise, and is it safe to exercise?”

Is it safe to exercise? As a general rule:

Avoid exercising if fasting glucose levels are greater than 250 mg/dL and if ketosis is present. Use caution if glucose levels are less than 300 mg/dL and if no ketosis is present. Ketosis is a metabolic process your body undergoes when it doesn’t have enough carbohydrates (glucose) from food for energy. Symptoms of ketosis include:

  • Breath that smells fruity or like nail polish or nail polish remover
  • Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Fatigue, weakness
  • Confusion
  • Ingest added carbohydrates, such as whole fresh fruit, if glucose levels are less than 100 mg/dL before exercise.
  • Identify when changes in insulin or food intake are necessary.
  • Learn your glycemic response to different exercise conditions (exercise time and intensity).
  • Consume added carbohydrate as needed to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
  • Carbohydrate-based foods (again, fresh fruit is a great choice) should be readily available during and after exercise.

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