NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which precaution should diabetics always follow before exercising?

1. Have someone available to assist

2. Always carry sugar or insulin

3. Exercise in the evening only

4. Check blood pressure before exercise

The correct answer is: Always carry sugar or insulin

Before exercising, it is essential for individuals with diabetes to always carry sugar or insulin. This precaution is vital because physical activity can affect blood sugar levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Carrying a quick source of sugar, such as glucose tablets or candy, allows the individual to quickly address any drops in blood sugar that may occur during or after their workout. Additionally, some may need to carry insulin in case they need to manage their blood sugar levels based on their activity and meal timing. While having someone available to assist is a good safety measure, especially for new exercisers or those with more severe cases, it is not as universally necessary for all diabetics. Exercise timing is also flexible; it does not need to be exclusively in the evening, and checking blood pressure, while an important health metric, is not specifically a precaution tied to the immediate concerns of exercising with diabetes. Ensuring that blood sugar is stable before and during exercise is paramount, which is why carrying sugar or insulin is the most critical precaution.