A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus calls after exercising. Which statement indicates correct understanding regarding Humulin N insulin and exercise?

A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus calls after exercising. Which statement indicates correct understanding regarding Humulin N insulin and exercise?

• A. I Should Not Exercise After Lunch.
• B. I Should Not Exercise in the Late Afternoon.
• C. I Should Not Exercise After Breakfast.
• D. I Should Not Exercise in the Late Evening.

Answer: (B)

Humulin N is an intermediate-acting insulin that reaches its strongest glucose-lowering effect during its peak period, which occurs several hours after a dose. Exercising during that peak window increases the likelihood of hypoglycemia because both the insulin action and muscle glucose uptake are high at the same time. Late afternoon often falls within this peak window for a morning or midday Humulin N dose, so refraining from exercise then shows understanding of how timing insulin action interacts with physical activity. If exercise is planned, patients should monitor blood glucose closely, consider a small snack before activity, and be prepared to adjust timing or dosage to prevent low blood sugar.

Humulin N is an intermediate-acting insulin that reaches its strongest glucose-lowering effect during its peak period, which occurs several hours after a dose. Exercising during that peak window increases the likelihood of hypoglycemia because both the insulin action and muscle glucose uptake are high at the same time. Late afternoon often falls within this peak window for a morning or midday Humulin N dose, so refraining from exercise then shows understanding of how timing insulin action interacts with physical activity. If exercise is planned, patients should monitor blood glucose closely, consider a small snack before activity, and be prepared to adjust timing or dosage to prevent low blood sugar.