Well timed meals and snacks can help prevent exercise induced hypoglycemia. If physical activity starts 2 hours or longer after your last meal, a snack may be needed to keep glucose levels stable. If your blood glucose is 70 mg/dl or lower, it should be treated with a fast acting form of carbohydrate and possibly followed up with a small snack before engaging in physical activity. Carbohydrates that contain fat are not the best choice for treating hypoglycemia because fat takes longer to be digested and will slow the entrance of sugar into the bloodstream. Because of fat content, chocolate candy and full fat milk will raise glucose levels, but not as quickly as fat free milk or fruit juice. 

Glucose tablets are a fast acting source of carbohydrate that are easy to carry and can be purchased in the pharmacy. Generally, three glucose tablets will provide about 15 grams of carbohydrate, but always refer to the package for carb content. Lifesavers are also handy to carry and use to treat hypoglycemia. About seven Lifesavers will supply 15 grams of carbohydrate. 

Additional 15 Gram Carbohydrate Food Sources 

• 3-4 graham cracker squares 
• ½ cup fruit juice 
• ½ cup regular soda 
• 1 small piece of fresh fruit 2 Tablespoons raisins 

Other more substantial snacks may be necessary depending on meal timing and exercise duration: 

• Greek yogurt with fresh fruit 
• Peanut butter and whole grain crackers or apple 
• Turkey sandwich
• Cheerios with skim milk 

To reap the benefits of exercise and keep blood glucose levels stable remember to check blood glucose levels before, during, and after exercise. 

Keeping records of blood glucose and carb intake will help you and your health care provider recognize how your glucose levels respond to different types and durations of exercise and trouble shoot problems. Make sure you have an understanding of what your safe blood glucose target levels are before starting an exercise routine.