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Exercise and Carbs

P

pedro606

Well-Known Member
Messages
140
I have been having low carb breakfasts of scrambled eggs and a frankfurter sausage. Two mornings a week I do join some oldies like myself for some comparatively strenuous workouts in a small gym. I am a tad concerned that my BG level would lower quite significantly during the exercise. It was 4.2 when i took reading after the exercise.

I feel as though I ought to eat some extra carbohydrates before the exercise just in case.

I was wondering if someone could help me out on this and give some help and advice.

thanks,

Pete

newbie T2
 
Hi Pete,

If you're type 2 on diet only, carbohydrates before excercise aren't a particular benefit. Without them, you will metabolise free fatty acids as fuel, which is a very effective and efficient way of doing it. If you add carbohydrates to the mix, you will preferentially burn glucose, and potentially have bigger fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Besides, since you don't use glucose lowering medications, you have no risk of hypoglycemia.

All the best,

fergus
 
I have a reduced carb diet to control T2
9:30 - 1 hour after b'fast 6.8
12:30 - after 3 sets & 2 hours of tennis 9.6
that increase was due to using stored energy - I only had water while playing
exercise seems to increase BS
I then went shopping
2:30 - 7.1

I would have expected around 5 as a before meal BS, so in my case, exercise can increase BS
I certainly don't need carb for energy
 
Thanks Fergus. That does make logical sense to me. Thank-you for explaining it to me. Probably that will also help me burn of some of my unwanted fat as I am also trying hard to lose weight as well.

Since I have cut down on carbs I have noticed a significant weight loss anyway.

From what I have learnt on this site it is very important to control the BG's.

Once again, many thanks,

Pete
 
Hi Ian,

I find that very confusing. From all what I have read etc,-- exercise is a vital component in the reduction and contro of Blood Sugar.

Pete
 
pedro606 said:
Hi Ian,

I find that very confusing. From all what I have read etc,-- exercise is a vital component in the reduction and contro of Blood Sugar.

Pete
Click to expand...
So do I - it is reported that exercise can decrease or increase BS. Normally it drops while I play. If it goes below 5, I eat a dried apricot.
 
fergus said:
Hi Pete,

If you're type 2 on diet only, carbohydrates before excercise aren't a particular benefit. Without them, you will metabolise free fatty acids as fuel, which is a very effective and efficient way of doing it. If you add carbohydrates to the mix, you will preferentially burn glucose, and potentially have bigger fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Besides, since you don't use glucose lowering medications, you have no risk of hypoglycemia.

All the best,

fergus
Click to expand...

I almost agree with that except you left off YMMV! <G>

I used to get liver dumps if I overexerted in the morning, and in the afternoon I was more prone to working myself into a low.

Both things were improved by getting my BG up to around 6 before starting, usually with a mix of carbs and fat, and taking small "boluses" of the same during work.

However probably due to further reduction of insulin resistance, and use of Alpha Lipoic Acid which seems to calm the liver overractivity, and also probably due to getting more used to running on ketones over time, I'm finding I have much less need of the snacks than I did previously.

When the Extreme Gardening season starts I'll be monitoring my performance with some care to be on the safe side. It's always a good plan to test around changes of activity, see how your system breaks.
 
This morning
8 am - fasting - 6.1
I had my usual "porridge" - 20 carbs,
started playing tennis at 10 am
after first set (lost 6/3) - 5.9. I went to get an apricot from my tennis bag & found it was mouldy, so for the duration of the match I only had water
after 2nd set (won 6/2) - 6.9
after 3rd set (won 6/1) - 6.7

Towards the end of the third set, I felt as if I needed sustenance & would have had an apricot if available. I was surprised my BS was still relatively high.

Do I need carbs for energy, or does my body generate what I need? Or more than I need?
 
Looks like you are generating all the glucose you need. I favour a high protein moderate fat low carb breakfast for prolonged control.
 
Hi Trink,


Sorry to sound so naiive but could you give me an idea of what you would eat for breakfast and that would give me some idea as well.

Thanks,

Pete
 
pedro606 said:
Hi Trink,


Sorry to sound so naiive but could you give me an idea of what you would eat for breakfast and that would give me some idea as well.

Thanks,

Pete
Click to expand...

The regular bit

two oatcakes (12g carbs) with butter or Flora

large handful salad usually including watercress and a couple of big fat peppery olives

small handful toasted sunflower seeds

Usually I have smoked salmon and as alternatives when I get bored bacon, mackerel, kippers, bloaters, lamb chops. Eggs would be good only I can't stand them. Coffee ad lib.

More useful ideas here

http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/2006/ ... fasts.html

I might need to trim my BG later with another oatcake and some cheese or nut butter, the fats slow down the onset of the carbs. In recent times my BG has become a lot more stable and my body seems more used to running on ketones so I don't need the adjustments so often. Sometimes I will use other combinations like a large handful of nuts with a small handful of dried fruit, or an oatcake with creamed goat cheese and some blueberries.

As with all suggestions, test and see how well you do, and modify accordingly!
 
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