GET YOUR STARTED checklist

Before you lace up your walking shoes, put these stay-safe solutions into motion

Ask the experts

Speak to your GP, diabetes educator or exercise physiologist about factoring exercise into your diabetes management plan. You may need to adjust your insulin or medication to account for the extra activity.

Eat for better BGLs

If you’re taking medication that can cause hypos, eat a snack before and after exercising to help maintain healthy BGLs. Alternatively, reduce your insulin, if that’s how you manage your diabetes.

Inject carefully

Taking insulin? Avoid injecting directly into your thighs before exercise. It can cause the insulin to be absorbed more rapidly, increasing your chance of having a hypo. Stay safe!

Check your levels

If your BGLs are low, eat some fast-acting carbs, then wait until your levels normalise before lacing up your sneakers. Similarly, if your BGLs are high, and you have ketones, take an extra dose of insulin. Wait until both BGLs and ketones come down before exercising.

Slip, slop, slap

Before you step outdoors, apply a high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen. Slip on a hat or cap and wear polarised sunglasses.

Warm up, cool down

A few stretches before and after your walk will help prevent injury, advises Christine Armarego.

Drink up!

You know the drill! Always ensure you have plenty of water on hand to prevent dehydration. n