The Top 5 Mistakes Trainers Make with Diabetic Clients, and How to Avoid Them

As a fitness professional, working with clients who have diabetes can be one of the most rewarding and empowering aspects of your career. However, it can also be intimidating if you don't feel fully prepared. Remember, you play a crucial role in keeping your diabetic clients safe and successful in the gym.

The truth? Most fitness professionals care deeply, but they've never been taught the specific strategies that keep diabetic clients safe and successful in the gym. This leads to avoidable mistakes, such as not monitoring blood sugar levels before and after workouts, or not adjusting the exercise plan based on the client's glucose levels. Some of these errors can derail progress, while others can pose serious health risks.

In this post, we'll break down the top 5 mistakes trainers make when working with clients with diabetes and give you clear, practical solutions for each.

Mistake #1: Skipping the Blood Sugar Conversation

Too often, trainers don't ask about blood sugar because they're afraid of sounding "too medical" or stepping outside their scope.

But avoiding the topic doesn't keep clients safe. It keeps them vulnerable.

What to Do Instead:

• Ask about diagnosed conditions on your intake forms

• Ask, "Do you monitor your blood sugar or use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?"

• Normalize the conversation by saying:

"We'll track how your body responds to exercise, including your blood sugar, so that we can adjust your plan safely."

Mistake #2: Treating All Diabetic Clients the Same

Diabetes isn't one-size-fits-all. Training someone with Type 1 is very different from working with someone who has Type 2, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes.

What to Do Instead:

• Learn the difference between the types of diabetes

• For Type 1, focus on preventing hypoglycemia during workouts

• Emphasize improving insulin sensitivity through consistent movement and muscle-building for clients with Type 2 diabetes.

Pro Tip: Ask clients what their doctor or diabetes educator has told them. Their language can guide your approach.

Mistake #3: Overtraining Without Monitoring

High-intensity training can be excellent, but it's also more likely to cause sharp fluctuations in glucose levels if not monitored properly.

Many trainers unknowingly put diabetic clients at risk by pushing intensity without checking how their bodies are responding.

What to Do Instead:

• Use CGM data (if available) or ask about glucose levels before, during, and after sessions

• Start with moderate intensity and build gradually

• Schedule longer workouts after meals, when glucose is more stable

A CGM trend arrow that's falling fast (↓↓) means you should pause, check blood glucose levels, and possibly give a snack.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Pre-Workout Preparation

Some diabetic clients fear working out because they've gone low before and weren't prepared.

What to Do Instead:

Create a simple Pre-Exercise Checklist that includes:

• Checking glucose levels

• Packing fast-acting carbs (glucose tabs or juice)

• Knowing the symptoms of hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, dizziness)

• Having a recovery snack post-session

Confidence comes from preparation. You'll gain trust when clients see you prioritize their safety.

Mistake #5: Staying Silent With the Care Team

Trainers often hesitate to communicate with a client's doctor or diabetes educator, assuming it's "not their place."

However, respectful, scope-appropriate collaboration can elevate care and reduce liability.

What to Do Instead:

• Ask for written consent to contact the healthcare provider

• Share a brief overview of the fitness plan and ask for any restrictions

• Report unusual glucose patterns (e.g., repeated lows during workouts) to the client or care team

Collaboration builds your credibility and supports better outcomes.

Mistakes Are Learning Opportunities

No trainer gets it perfect from day one. However, when you ask the right questions, educate yourself, and prioritize your clients' safety, you're on the path to becoming their trusted partner in their long-term health.

By learning from your mistakes, you become a more confident and respected fitness professional. Remember, there's always room for growth and improvement in your journey with diabetic clients.

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