Insulin and physical activity

If you take insulin, it's possible for you to become hypoglycemic (blood glucose level drops below 60) during physical activity. Symptoms occur quickly and need to be treated right away.

Some women with gestational diabetes find that exercising consistently and for the same amount of time will help avoid physical activity-related hypoglycemia.

Avoid physical activity when you haven't had any food for three to four hours.

When to call your health care provider

Call your health care provider or diabetes educator if you have unexplained hypoglycemia two times in one day or two days in a week.

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education Department, Gestational Diabetes: When You Have Diabetes During Pregnancy, third edition, ISBN 1-931876-21-6
Reviewed By: Reviewed by Allina Health's Patient Education Department experts
First Published: 11/27/2006
Last Reviewed: 01/20/2014