For diabetes management, what fasting glucose level would contraindicate exercise?

In diabetes management, exercise can significantly impact blood glucose levels, and it's crucial to understand when it's unsafe to engage in physical activity. A fasting glucose level greater than 250 mg/dL with ketones or greater than 300 mg/dL without ketones is considered a contraindication for exercise.

When blood glucose levels rise to this threshold, particularly when ketones are present, it indicates that the body is in a state of ketosis, which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that can be life-threatening. Exercising under these conditions can exacerbate hyperglycemia and ketone production, leading to further complications.

Therefore, a cutoff of 250 mg/dL with ketones or 300 mg/dL without ketones is a protective guideline to ensure patient safety. It is important for individuals managing diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels closely and consult with healthcare professionals before engaging in physical activity if these thresholds are met.