Insulin Tutorial 3-4

When you are going to some sporting event and expect to engage in physical exercise it is sensible to eat

It is impossible to predict how much carbohydrate you will need for any particular kind of exercise.

That is something that you will simply have to find out for yourself.

It is true that there is a general 'rule' which says that for half an hour of physical exertion one might need 12 grams of carbohydrate, but in each individual case that could be different.

All the same, let us just try out this general 'rule'.

What ought I to eat? 12 grams of carbohydrate from the bread group or from the fruit group?

A sensible question!

If the physical exercise is going to start off suddenly and be very vigorous, it would be better to take 12 grams of carbohydrate from the fruit group, for instance an apple or a banana.

However, if it is steady exercise going on for a longer time (football, dancing, tennis, etc.) then it is better to eat 12 grams of carbohydrate from the bread group, for instance a roll and butter or some bread and cheese.

To be prepared for unexpected or unplanned physical exercise you should always carry some sugar on you. (A few glucose tablets or a few lumps of sugar).

Then, if you should have an episode of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) you should be able to treat it yourself in good time.