To prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia related to exercise, what should the nurse teach the patient using glucose-lowering agents about the best time for exercise?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the appropriate timing for exercise in relation to blood glucose levels for patients taking glucose-lowering agents. It seeks to identify the best time for exercise to prevent hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Answer
Exercise after eating to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Patients should plan exercise around their meals and insulin doses, typically exercising after eating when blood glucose levels are more stable.
Answer for screen readers
Patients should plan exercise around their meals and insulin doses, typically exercising after eating when blood glucose levels are more stable.
More Information
Engaging in physical activity after meals is less likely to cause hypoglycemia because the body has an elevated glucose level from the food intake. This timing helps maintain more consistent blood glucose levels throughout the workout.
Tips
A common mistake is exercising on an empty stomach, which increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Ensuring a balanced intake of food before exercise helps avoid this issue.
Sources
- Diabetes and exercise: When to monitor your blood sugar - mayoclinic.org
- Exercise Strategies to Prevent Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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