What should be suggested to reduce exercise-induced hypoglycemia in a patient on insulin?

Ingesting additional carbohydrates before exercise is a recommended strategy to reduce exercise-induced hypoglycemia in patients on insulin. This approach helps to provide the body with an additional source of glucose that can be used for energy during physical activity, thus helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Since exercise increases glucose uptake by the muscles, without sufficient carbohydrates, there is a risk of blood sugar dropping too low, especially in individuals taking insulin.

Utilizing this strategy is particularly vital for those on insulin, as their medication increases the likelihood of hypoglycemia, especially during and after exercise. Consuming carbohydrates helps to counteract the drop in blood sugar that can occur due to the synergistic effects of insulin and physical activity.

Other strategies, such as injecting insulin into exercising limbs or exercising right before bed, do not specifically address the need for maintaining adequate glucose levels during exercise and could potentially increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Reducing blood sugar monitoring is also not advisable since regular monitoring is crucial for managing insulin dosage and making adjustments based on daily activities, particularly when exercise is involved.