What’s better for lowering blood sugar? A walk before or after eating?
Instead of asking, “Should I walk before or after eating?” a better question for people with diabetes or prediabetes to ask is: “What is my blood sugar before and after exercise, and is it safe to exercise?”
Should I walk before or after eating?”
A walk, no matter when you take it, will generally lower blood sugar (glucose) levels. But because there are many variables involved, it is difficult to say exactly how much a person’s blood glucose will drop. These variables include walking intensity and walking duration, as well as the quantity and type of food that you’re eating.
Instead of asking, “Should I walk before or after eating?” a better question for people with diabetes or prediabetes to ask is: “What is my blood sugar before and after exercise, and is it safe to exercise?”
Is it safe to exercise? As a general rule:
Avoid exercising if fasting glucose levels are greater than 250 mg/dL and if ketosis is present. Use caution if glucose levels are less than 300 mg/dL and if no ketosis is present. Ketosis is a metabolic process your body undergoes when it doesn’t have enough carbohydrates (glucose) from food for energy. Symptoms of ketosis include:
- Breath that smells fruity or like nail polish or nail polish remover
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Stomach pain
- Nausea, vomiting
- Fatigue, weakness
- Confusion