What are exercise considerations for ultra-long-acting insulin?

What are exercise considerations for ultra-long-acting insulin?

• A. Monitor for hypoglycaemia, particularly with prolonged exercise.
• B. Hypoglycaemia only occurs with short-acting types.
• C. Exercise has no impact on ultra-long-acting insulin.
• D. Hypoglycemia risk is highest in the first hour of exercise.

Answer: (A)

Prolonged exercise changes how basal insulin and glucose interact. Even with ultra-long-acting insulin that provides steady basal coverage, exercising for a long time increases muscle glucose uptake and elevates insulin sensitivity for hours afterward. This creates a continued risk of hypoglycemia during the activity and well into the recovery period if carbohydrate intake isn’t enough or insulin action is still elevated. Because the danger window extends beyond the first hour, the safest approach is to monitor blood glucose closely during and after prolonged exercise and be prepared with quick-acting carbohydrates or other safety measures as needed.

Prolonged exercise changes how basal insulin and glucose interact. Even with ultra-long-acting insulin that provides steady basal coverage, exercising for a long time increases muscle glucose uptake and elevates insulin sensitivity for hours afterward. This creates a continued risk of hypoglycemia during the activity and well into the recovery period if carbohydrate intake isn’t enough or insulin action is still elevated. Because the danger window extends beyond the first hour, the safest approach is to monitor blood glucose closely during and after prolonged exercise and be prepared with quick-acting carbohydrates or other safety measures as needed.