Is it good for diabetic patients to exercise on an empty stomach?
Feb 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
During fasting exercise, the body primarily relies on the breakdown of liver glycogen to provide energy. However, individuals with diabetes may already have impaired blood glucose regulation mechanisms. Exercising in a fasting state can easily lead to further depletion of blood glucose, resulting in hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, and other discomforts; in severe cases, it can even lead to coma, posing a serious threat to the patient's health.
Generally speaking, whether it is beneficial for a diabetic patient to exercise on an empty stomach depends on the specific circumstances. If blood sugar is well controlled, exercising on an empty stomach is usually acceptable. However, if blood sugar control is poor or the patient is taking hypoglycemic medications, exercising while fasting may not be advisable. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If a diabetic patient's blood sugar is well controlled and no hypoglycemic symptoms are present, engaging in light to moderate exercise on an empty stomach may be feasible under a doctor's guidance. Exercise helps improve the body's sensitivity to insulin and promotes glucose consumption, thus benefiting blood sugar control.
If a diabetic patient's blood sugar is unstable or if they are using insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, exercising on an empty stomach may be inadvisable. Exercise accelerates glucose consumption, and the effects of medication may further lower blood sugar levels. If blood sugar drops too low, it can trigger hypoglycemic reactions, causing symptoms such as palpitations, tremors, sweating, dizziness, fatigue, and, in severe cases, even coma.
Diabetic patients are advised to carry some food items such as candy or biscuits when exercising, to promptly replenish sugar if hypoglycemic symptoms occur.
