March 4, 2003
Exercise and Sports, Insulin Pumps
Question from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA:
I work out often and very hard (45 minutes to one hour of aerobic exercise plus 30 minutes weightlifting), and I am on an insulin pump My basal rate during the time of day when I work out most often is about 1 unit per hour What is a good rule to follow in terms of setting temporary basal rates for periods of intense exercise?
Answer:
Depending on how fast the blood sugar falls and what the pre-exercise blood sugar is, I would consider putting the temporary basal rate at a very low rate and observing the effect. For instance, I would begin at about 0.5 units per hour. The difference in the delivery of insulin is small at these rates. If this does not work, you may have to take a pre-exercise snack or drink. Finally, you will have to determine how low to maintain the temporary basal rate. Sugars will tend to fall, even after the exercise is complete.
JTL
