Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Exercise has many benefits for people with diabetes, especially when combined with healthy eating.
  • Before you start exercising, make sure you have an individualised diabetes management plan, and a health check with your GP.
  • An exercise physiologist can develop a personalised exercise plan for you.
  • Check your blood glucose levels (BGLs) before, during and after exercise to see how the exercise you are doing affects them.
  • If your BGLs are above the normal range before exercise refer to your diabetes management plan. If you are unwell and your BGLs are high, avoid exercising until your BGLs have returned to the normal range and you are feeling better.
  • If you have type 1 diabetes and you are unwell, avoid exercise until you feel better as you may be at risk of ketoacidosis.
  • Always carry portable hypoglycaemia treatment with you if you take insulin or sulphonylurea medication.
  • If you have existing diabetes complications such as eye or kidney problems, check with your diabetes specialist if it is safe to do certain types of activity.

Give feedback about this page

More information

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 10-08-2021