Exercise affects almost all the systems of the body, including the cardiovascular system, the nervous system and brain function. It also plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. If you suffer from a dysfunction relating to blood sugar, including hypoglycemia or diabetes, exercise often helps control the issue. At the same time, it is important to watch blood sugar levels during and after workouts because intense exercise can have the opposite effect of what you were hoping for.
Insulin Sensitivity
One of the ways that exercise affects blood sugar is that it enhances insulin sensitivity. In the book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Remedies" by Chrystle Fiedler, she notes that regular exercise improves many aspects of glucose metabolism, including smaller amounts of insulin needed to regulate blood sugar levels, possibly because exercise increases tissue chromium concentrations, adds Fiedler. Chromium is a necessary nutrient for proper sugar control.
Glucose Tolerance
Another effect that exercise has on blood sugar is it improves glucose tolerance. According to Ragnar Hanas in his book, "Type 2 Diabetes in Adults of All Ages," exercise increases the cell's consumption of glucose without increasing the need for insulin. The body therefore tolerates sugar -- or glucose -- better, both during and after exercise. Consistent exercise might reduce or eliminate the up-and-down effects of sugar and caffeine on energy.
Metabolism
The body's metabolism is intimately connected to blood sugar levels, and because exercise boosts metabolism, it also has a beneficial effect on blood sugar. Metabolism, according to Steven Joyal in his book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Diabetes," is the process by which the body breaks down food and transforms it into energy. This includes overseeing the pancreas, insulin production and the regulation of glucose entering the cells. Exercise improves the function of metabolism, benefiting the entire process of balancing blood sugar, both during and after exercise.
Blood Glucose Levels
Unfortunately, too much exercise can also have the opposite effect on blood sugar levels -- it might actually increase them. Because intense exercise can be seen as stressful by the body, hormones are produced that might tell your body it needs more blood sugar for fuel. This can be offset, notes Michele Grodner in her book, "Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition," by eating more food either before or right after your workout.
References
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Remedies"; Chrystle Fiedler; 2009
- "Type 2 Diabetes in Adults of All Ages"; Ragnar Hanas; 2007
- "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Diabetes"; Steven Joyal; 2008
- "Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition"; Michele Grodner; 2004
