From the golf course to the tennis court: diabetes friendly tips

Sports like tennis, golf, biking and skiing are all fair "game" for most people with diabetes. Heed a few words to the wise to get the most out of them and make them safer and more enjoyable.

Walking for the duration of your golf match will give you the most aerobic exercise. But some walking is better than none.

• If you need to ride a cart at least part of the way, strike a deal with your partner to alternate who drives and who walks.
• For instance, you might ride in the cart while playing one hole, then switch with your partner, who will ride during the next hole.

You have to be prepared for blood sugar swings during the hours it takes to play a full 18 holes.

• Before you start a round of golf — or any other sport that will keep you moving for a while — be ready with a glucose meter, carbohydrate snacks or glucose tablets, and any medicine you might need to keep your blood sugar in the safe range.

Don't assume that all types of exercise will lower your blood sugar.

• In some people with diabetes, high-adrenaline sports, or any very strenuous exercise, can actually raise it. That's because adrenaline causes the liver to release more glucose to supply the body with a burst of energy.
• The effect does wear off and you should be ready for a possible drop in blood sugar up to several hours after you're done exercising.

Regular testing — before, during and after exercise — will help you determine how to manage your blood sugar levels with food, glucose or insulin.

If you're playing a full match, inject insulin into your abdomen beforehand.

• During heavy exercise, blood flow increases in the appendages that are working hard.
• If you inject insulin into a hard-working appendage like your arm, the insulin will be absorbed into the body more quickly, and it may lower your blood sugar more quickly than you were expecting.
• Same goes for runners — don't inject insulin into a leg before you go.

Tennis can be tough on your hips, knees, ankles and back. The repeated impact against a hard-court surface can leave your joints sore and your feet battered. Asphalt and concrete courts are the worst offenders.

• Clay courts are softer, allow a little sliding underfoot so there's less shock to the feet, and they slow the game down to a less intense level. New synthetic court surfaces provide cushioning that protects your joints, too — you can feel the surface give underneath your feet when you walk on it.
• Natural grass courts (like those at Wimbledon) are softer but have a high rate of injury because the speed of play is faster on grass.

If you have reduced feeling in your feet, take care not to stand too long on sun-heated surfaces like hard-surface tennis courts, concrete pool areas, asphalt and sand.

• Even through footwear, your feet could get burned without you knowing it.

Ask a golfer walking the course what he's doing. Chances are he won't say "exercising." Same goes for someone trying to perfect her tennis serve. Try these enjoyable sports for an easy way to get more physical activity, an essential factor in keeping your diabetes in check.