Exercise Snack Guidelines

Exercise Snack Guidelines

Types of Exercise: If Your Blood Glucose Level Is:
(Added Snack)
Short:
(Less Than 20 Minutes)
Walking less than one mile or cycling at a slow pace
Less than 100 mg/dl or above:

30-40 g of carbohydrate source before exercise, then 10-15 g per hour of exercise

100 mg/dl or above:

Do not take an extra snack

Medium:
(20-60 Minutes)
Tennis, swimming, jogging, cycling, vacuuming
Less than 100 mg/dl:

30-45 g of carbohydrate source before exercise, then 10-15 g per hour of exercise

100-200 mg/dl:

Do not take an extra snack

200-300 mg/dl:

Do not begin exercise until blood glucose is under better control

300 mg/dl or greater:

15 g of carbohydrate source per hour of exercise

Hard:
(60 Minutes or More)
Less than 100 mg/dl:

45-50 g of carbohydrate source to start- check blood glucose carefully during

100-200 mg/dl:

30-45 g of carbohydrate source to start*

200-300 mg/dl:

15-45 g of carbohydrate per hour of exercise depending on blood glucose and exercise intensity*

*After 45 minutes to one hour, you may need another snack. Check your blood glucose.

Last updated: February 27, 2023