### Common Mistakes to Avoid When Exercising for Diabetes Prevention and Management 1. **Not Testing Blood Sugar Beforehand**: Always check your blood sugar levels before starting exercise. Avoid working out if your glucose levels are 250 mg/dL or greater with ketosis, or greater than 300 mg/dL without ketosis. If your levels are below 100 mg/dL, eat a snack first. 2. **Skipping Water Breaks**: Dehydration can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Drink water instead of sugary sports drinks. Aim to drink 4 to 6 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes. 3. **Forgetting an Emergency Kit**: Bring a glucometer, insulin if you take fast-acting insulin, and quickly digested carbohydrate sources. A snack with 15 grams of carbohydrates can help if you feel lightheaded or weak. 4. **Wearing Inappropriate Footwear**: Wear breathable socks and well-fitting shoes to protect your feet. This is crucial as cuts or scrapes may heal slower due to higher blood sugar and decreased circulation. 5. **Ignoring What Your Body Is Telling You**: Listen to your body during workouts. If you feel dizzy, stop and recover before continuing. 6. **Not Finding Something You Enjoy**: The biggest mistake is not exercising at all. Find an activity you love to make it easier to stick with it. Pair regular exercise with a healthy diet to better manage your diabetes.