I am 52 years old, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about five months ago, and I started a strict diet and exercise program. I have lost 20 pounds and my average blood sugar is in the 90s mg/dl [5 mmol/L} without insulin. I monitored sugar levels after exercising in the morning, and recently I noticed that they increase about 20 to 30% after exercising. Is it something I should be concerned about or is this a “normal” function?

This is a fairly normal response to exercise, particularly after high-intensity exercise. Provided that these rises are not dramatic and your control is excellent overall, these should not be of concern to you. Some people with diabetes will need to make adjustments to insulin or carb intake or both to better manage “highs” associated with exercise, but this does not sound like the case in your situation.

It is important to remember that insulin sensitivity and metabolism remain elevated for hours after exercise. If you recheck your blood sugar three to four hours after exercise, you should find the increase that you initially observed immediately post exercise to have resolved.

Congratulations to you on the important changes you have made in response to your recent type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Here’s wishing you continued success!

DMW