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A diabetes expert shares some advice.

I’m a running junkie and just found out I have diabetes. Should I change to a less intense routine?

It’s great to hear that you already enjoy exercising. It gives you a big leg up (pun intended) in managing your diabetes and preventing complications. Many people with diabetes feel as if they have lost control of the situation. Exercise allows you to take action with regard to your diabetes and in most cases improves blood glucose control. 

Here are a few tips to keep your diabetes in check while you run:

• Make sure your blood glucose levels are in the appropriate range before, during and right after your workout. Test your blood glucose level several hours after running to avoid hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
• Discuss your running schedule and blood glucose levels with your doctor. He or she may suggest modifying your insulin and other medications based on your blood glucose response. If you use a wearable fitness device to track your runs, you can connect it to the My Diet Diary smartphone app, which links with diabetes app Sugar Sense to give you a clear picture of food intake, exercise completed, and blood sugar levels. It's available for Android and iPhone.
• Meet with a registered-dietitian nutritionist or certified diabetes educator. You might need an adjustment in your carbohydrate and calorie intake based on your blood glucose response.
• Contact a running group such as the Achilles Heel Society, which helps runners with all kinds of disabilities stay motivated. They’re a fantastic support system for those training for marathons and other athletic competitions.
• Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to make sure you’re wearing the correct footwear to avoid injury. Check your feet after every run.
• Keep fast-acting sources of carbohydrate handy on training runs and on race days to treat low blood sugar if needed.

Published on February 20, 2015.

— Advice by Susan Weiner, MS, RDN, CDN, CDE. Susan has a master’s degree in applied physiology and nutrition and co-authored The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Diabetes Life.