Diabetes Exercise and Activity 2

Question 1

A person with Type 1 diabetes wants to go for a 45-minute run. Their blood glucose is 90 mg/dL before starting. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Eat 15-30g of carbohydrates before starting

Answer

A pre-exercise blood glucose of 90 mg/dL is borderline low, so consuming 15-30g of carbohydrates before prolonged aerobic exercise helps prevent hypoglycemia.

Question 2

Which type of exercise tends to cause a delayed drop in blood glucose, often occurring 6-12 hours after the activity?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged aerobic exercise

Answer

Prolonged aerobic exercise depletes glycogen stores, which the body then replenishes over the next 6-12 hours, drawing glucose from the blood and potentially causing delayed hypoglycemia.

Question 3

What is the recommended approach for adjusting basal insulin when a person with Type 1 diabetes plans a full day of physical activity?

Accepted Answer

Reduce basal insulin by 20-50% on the day of activity

Answer

Reducing basal insulin by 20-50% on high-activity days helps prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia while maintaining some background insulin coverage.

Question 4

A diabetic patient checks their blood glucose and gets a reading of 310 mg/dL. They also have ketones in their urine. What should they do about exercise?

Accepted Answer

Postpone exercise, correct ketones with insulin and fluids

Answer

Exercise with elevated ketones is dangerous because it can worsen ketoacidosis; the priority is to hydrate, correct glucose with insulin, and wait until ketones clear.

Question 5

Which post-exercise snack is MOST appropriate for preventing overnight hypoglycemia after an intense evening workout for a Type 1 diabetic?

Accepted Answer

A protein-rich snack with some complex carbohydrates

Answer

A protein-and-complex-carb snack before bed after evening exercise helps maintain blood glucose through the night as muscles replenish glycogen.

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Exercise and Activity 2