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New to gym life

S

Scott78

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hello all,

I would like some advice as I am worried about controlling my diabetes at the gym, I am type 3c (insulin dependent) I use Humulin M3 (slow release) and use a glucose finger prick monitor.
I have not been to the gym since pre diagnosis and am concerned about when to eat, test my blood and precautions I should take. Should I involve my diabetes team at the doctors?

My average levels are averaged 6mmol over the past 2 months, I inject 24 units am, 19 units pm.....

Am I over thinking it or should I just go and see what happens?

I am to improve muscle mass as I have lost a lot due to recent illness.

I will be driving my car which is another concern....

Any help would be appreciated..

Scott
 
Hi Scott,

I think your idea of involving your diabetes team and doctor sounds like a great idea.
I´m not experienced enough on the topic to give any other advices. Hope everything works out well, and good luck at the gym.
 
I'm not sure how easy it is to get a continuous glucose monitor prescribed as a 3c, but I'd encourage you to ask for it, and if they won't, to self fund at least one sensor if that's an option (Abbott were also doing a free trial at some point, not sure if it's still going).

Gym and exercise while on insulin is absolutely possible, but it takes some getting used to and affects different people in different ways, some exercises sending you higher and others lower, and with just finger pricks it's hard to get the full picture (also hard to test mid workout and not get blood on the equipment!).

Even if you don't continue with a CGM long term, getting a view of your levels throughout the day and how they're affected by exercise/food/dose for a couple of weeks could help inform your ongoing management.
 
 
I think I'd give it a try and test like every 20 or 30 minutes to see what's happening. This would give you an idea of how your diabetes reacts to the gym, and you'll have a better idea on how to anticipate next time.

Enjoy!
 
I have the 14 day trial on the way, I was concerned about testing myself too much at the gym. I will have to contact my diabetes team and see what they suggest...
Thanks for the advice.... Appreciated....
 
Couple of things to bear in mind
- CGMs are not great when levels are changing fast. Finger pricking may be a better option.
- BG is affected for longer than just during exercise. It is not uncommon to experience lower BG for up to 48 hours after exercise.

We are all different so you can only find out what happens for you with the exercise you are doing is to test.
I would recommend
- taking it easier the first few times
- making sure you have no active bolus insulin so do not exercise less than 4 hours after your last bolus
- ensuring you have hypo treatment close to hand at all times
- keeping a close eye on BG for the next 48 hours. This is where Libre is most likely to be beneficial. But make sure you have familiarised yourself with the limitations of CGMs.
 
I know nothing about insulin use or gyms but I just thought I’d let you know that Abbott is still doing the Libre 2 free trial:

Sampling Maintenance

www.freestyle.abbott
 
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