Exercise and Increased Sugar Levels

[Swalwell]

My husband was diagnosed with T2D last year and has decided to start exercising and watching his diet. Since starting this his sugar levels have increased. Has anyone else had this problem? Is it normal? What could be causing this?

 

[oldsle]

I've noticed with myself that if my sugar levels are already quite high and/or I'm not sleeping well, that exercise can increase my numbers.

 

[Swalwell]

I've noticed with myself that if my sugar levels are already quite high and/or I'm not sleeping well, that exercise can increase my numbers.

Thanks for the reply. His sugar level were around 6.5 with medication. He doesn't sleep well and is in the process of getting a sleep apnea machine. G

 

[bulkbiker]

What diet is he following and what kind of exercise?

 

[NicoleC1971]

Hi if your husband is doing lots of weights this might cause a temporary rise but the benefit should outweigh any temporary rise as long ad he ests less carbohydrate so that he becomes less insulin resistant! The other thing that can happen is doing a run or cycle ride or swimming might give him an appetite for extra carbs thus causing a sugar rise?

 

[Kristin251]

I found the best exercise to be moderate paced walk. Anything that raised my heart rate too high raised my adrenaline and cortisol hence raised my bg.

But that is only my experience.

Maybe he should try different forms of exercise and see what suits him best. The time of day with different exercises matters as well.

I likes walks after meals. Relaxing as well

 

[oldsle]

Thanks for the reply. His sugar level were around 6.5 with medication. He doesn't sleep well and is in the process of getting a sleep apnea machine. G

Is 6.5 his level now, or at diagnosis. I've had insomnia for months, and that's really doing a number on my numbers.

 

[Kristin251]

Is 6.5 his level now, or at diagnosis. I've had insomnia for months, and that's really doing a number on my numbers.

I find the later I wake up the higher I am. And the lower I go to bed the higher I am

 

[Swalwell]

What diet is he following and what kind of exercise?

He's doing a low carb with a dietician and has joined a gym with a PT and doing boot camp so I think it is quite full on. He is quite overweight at this stage too.

 

[Swalwell]

Thanks

Hi if your husband is doing lots of weights this might cause a temporary rise but the benefit should outweigh any temporary rise as long ad he ests less carbohydrate so that he becomes less insulin resistant! The other thing that can happen is doing a run or cycle ride or swimming might give him an appetite for extra carbs thus causing a sugar rise?

 

[Swalwell]

Is 6.5 his level now, or at diagnosis. I've had insomnia for months, and that's really doing a number on my numbers.

That's where he usually is now with medication but since starting the new regime he has been up over 7.

 

[Swalwell]

I find the later I wake up the higher I am. And the lower I go to bed the higher I am

Great. He does both of those things.

 

[oldsle]

I have a feeling that once his sleep improves, so will his numbers. Keep in mind that I'm not a doctor, but that's my experience. My doctor told me that lack of sleep can definitely have that effect. I've read that it puts more stress on the body, which causes more cortisol to be released, which then triggers the liver to release more glucogen.

That being said, I personally don't think those numbers are too bad, especially with lack of sleep. Mine have been much worse, but after I've had a couple of nights of half decent sleep, they seem to settle down.

 

[daisyduck]

I am fine with brisk walking up to 45 minutes... that will lower my BG.
Add weights or go longer and BG rises
I dance for 3 hours on some nights and it can really go up then. I take a few almonds to nibble and that seems to curb the rise.
A bad nights sleep will cause higher numbers in the morning for me too

 

[OrsonKartt]

My blood sugars used to increase quite a bit with excercize. It was a bit worrying I took it very easy and increased my levels very slowly. I feel much better for it now but still occasionally get an increase. I now try to do the 10 000 steps per day thing plus cycle to the shops instead of taking the car It feels good. The sleeping thing is also tough as at some point you don't know if you should push yourself or take a rest. I now use a fit bit sleep monitor. Of course you can do it without one but somehow it's satisfying to see the numbers of how many hours of deep sleep and light sleep I get. Best thoughts ....

 

[Swalwell]

My blood sugars used to increase quite a bit with excercize. It was a bit worrying I took it very easy and increased my levels very slowly. I feel much better for it now but still occasionally get an increase. I now try to do the 10 000 steps per day thing plus cycle to the shops instead of taking the car It feels good. The sleeping thing is also tough as at some point you don't know if you should push yourself or take a rest. I now use a fit bit sleep monitor. Of course you can do it without one but somehow it's satisfying to see the numbers of how many hours of deep sleep and light sleep I get. Best thoughts ....

Thanks so much for your feedback. Everyone had been very helpful.

 

[Kailee56]

I found the best exercise to be moderate paced walk. Anything that raised my heart rate too high raised my adrenaline and cortisol hence raised my bg.

But that is only my experience.

Maybe he should try different forms of exercise and see what suits him best. The time of day with different exercises matters as well.

I likes walks after meals. Relaxing as well

My experience is the same. Moderate walking will raise my glucose a bit, but vigorous or strenuous exercise will really spike it. Everything I’ve read blames the spike on adrenaline stimulating the liver to release glucose for the fight or flight response.
I know a lot of people recommend exercise to lower their blood glucose, but my body does the opposite. We are all definitely different.

 

[Kristin251]

My experience is the same. Moderate walking will raise my glucose a bit, but vigorous or strenuous exercise will really spike it. Everything I’ve read blames the spike on adrenaline stimulating the liver to release glucose for the fight or flight response.
I know a lot of people recommend exercise to lower their blood glucose, but my body does the opposite. We are all definitely different.

I SO miss yoga and elongating my muscles. I spike then drop to hypo land during the night. Cahnging lantus is a wild card. 2 or 3 units ineither wake up at 59 or 129. I don’t like the fluctuations. They make me feel weird in the morning. I generally go to bed in the 80’s and have literally no idea what’s going to happen. I JUST WAN TO YOGA lol

 

[Swalwell]

My husband was diagnosed with T2D last year and has decided to start exercising and watching his diet. Since starting this his sugar levels have increased. Has anyone else had this problem? Is it normal? What could be causing this?

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has shared their experience and knowledge.