Exercise and Activity Flashcards

A patient with autonomic neuropathy begins an exercise program. Which cardiovascular response abnormality should the educator anticipate?

Answer: Fixed resting tachycardia with blunted heart rate increase during exercise

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy causes resting tachycardia and an impaired chronotropic response, meaning heart rate does not increase normally with exercise intensity.

What is the recommended approach to blood glucose monitoring for a person with type 1 diabetes beginning a new exercise routine?

Answer: Monitor before, during (if >30 min), and after exercise, and check at bedtime

During initiation of a new exercise routine, frequent monitoring before, during prolonged sessions, after, and at bedtime helps identify glucose patterns and guide adjustments.

Which statement BEST describes the effect of resistance training on body composition in people with type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Resistance training increases lean muscle mass, which improves insulin sensitivity and resting metabolic rate

Resistance training builds lean muscle mass, which increases glucose disposal capacity and resting metabolic rate, contributing to improved insulin sensitivity.

A competitive athlete with type 1 diabetes needs to maintain performance during a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session. Which pre-exercise glucose target is MOST appropriate?

Answer: 126–180 mg/dL with no downward CGM trend

A pre-HIIT glucose of 126–180 mg/dL with no falling trend provides a safe buffer against hypoglycemia while avoiding significant hyperglycemia during intense activity.

According to the 2023 ADA Standards of Care, how many days per week of aerobic exercise are recommended for adults with type 2 diabetes?

Answer: At least 3 days per week with no more than 2 consecutive days without exercise

ADA recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity spread over at least 3 days per week, with no more than 2 consecutive days without activity.

A patient on a sulfonylurea plans to exercise vigorously for 45 minutes. Their pre-exercise glucose is 90 mg/dL. What is the MOST appropriate recommendation?

Answer: Consume 15–20 g of rapid-acting carbohydrates before starting exercise

Sulfonylureas increase hypoglycemia risk during exercise; with a pre-exercise glucose of 90 mg/dL, consuming 15–20 g carbohydrates before vigorous activity is prudent.

Which glucose level measured by CGM during exercise should prompt the individual to stop activity and treat, per expert consensus guidelines?

Answer: Below 100 mg/dL

Expert consensus recommends consuming carbohydrates and potentially pausing exercise when CGM reads below 100 mg/dL during activity to prevent frank hypoglycemia.