Exercise and Activity Flashcards
7 cards from real Diabetes practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Exercise and Activity flashcards as text
A person with diabetes uses a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). What CGM trend arrow should make them cautious about starting intense exercise?
Answer: Arrow pointing steeply downward
A steeply falling CGM arrow indicates rapidly dropping glucose, suggesting that starting intense exercise could accelerate the drop and cause hypoglycemia.
Which exercise modification is recommended for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the feet?
Answer: Emphasize non-weight-bearing activities like swimming or cycling
Non-weight-bearing exercise like swimming or cycling reduces risk of foot injury and ulcers in people with peripheral neuropathy who may not feel pain signals from the feet.
A Type 2 diabetic patient on metformin alone starts a new walking program. How does this primarily help their diabetes management?
Answer: Exercise improves insulin sensitivity in muscle cells
Physical activity increases GLUT4 transporter activity in skeletal muscle, enhancing insulin sensitivity so muscles take up glucose more efficiently from the bloodstream.
What is the primary concern with exercising outdoors in hot weather for people with diabetes?
Answer: Dehydration can worsen hyperglycemia and impair temperature regulation
Dehydration concentrates blood glucose and impairs the body's cooling mechanisms; people with diabetes are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness during exercise.
Someone with proliferative diabetic retinopathy wants to exercise. Which activity should they AVOID?
Answer: Heavy weightlifting and Valsalva maneuver activities
Activities involving straining or the Valsalva maneuver sharply increase intraocular pressure and can cause vitreous hemorrhage in people with proliferative retinopathy.
What happens to insulin absorption rate when insulin is injected into a limb that will be actively exercised shortly after?
Answer: Absorption rate increases, potentially causing hypoglycemia
Increased blood flow to exercising limbs accelerates subcutaneous insulin absorption, which can lead to higher-than-expected insulin levels and hypoglycemia.
What is the recommended minimum frequency for resistance training in people with diabetes according to ADA guidelines?
Answer: 2-3 times per week on non-consecutive days
The ADA recommends resistance training at least 2-3 times per week on non-consecutive days to allow muscle recovery while building strength and improving glucose metabolism.