Regular exercise should be on your checklist of priorities for a variety of reasons, one of which is keeping your blood glucose, or blood sugar, level under control. Aerobic activity is beneficial not only in preventing Type 2 diabetes but also in helping you manage the condition if you've already been diagnosed. Exercise typically lowers blood glucose levels, but there are situations in which the hormone epinephrine causes a different effect on blood sugar. Knowing why -- and how -- physical activity affects your blood glucose level is essential for management.
Regulating Blood Glucose
The regulation of blood sugar involves the hormone insulin, which is released by the pancreas. As your glucose level rises, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin is involved in getting the glucose stored in your body's cells for use as energy. When you have a form of diabetes, however, you do not have an adequate supply of insulin or your body does not respond to its effects properly. This, in turn, can cause serious health problems because you're at risk for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
Effect of Exercise
Keeping active is recommended for blood glucose management, particularly for preventing Type 2 diabetes, the form of the disease associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. After doing moderate-intensity exercise, your blood sugar level is lower that it was prior to activity. Your body uses stored sugar as an energy source during exercise, which causes levels to drop. In fact, the body can continue burning sugar for up to 24 hours following a workout, according to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Effect of Physical Stress
As is often the case with health issues, there are exceptions to the general rules. While exercise typically lowers blood glucose levels, it is possible for your blood sugar to spike after activity. Hormones, including epinephrine or adrenaline, may be released during particularly vigorous exercise as a stress response. This action can lead to insulin resistance, causing an increase in glucose. The release of epinephrine is also associated with engaging in competitive physical activities. How your body responds to stress can be unpredictable, so this is an important concern if you have problems with blood sugar regulation.
Precautions for Diabetics
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, it's essential to consult with your physician before moving forward with a fitness plan. Checking your blood glucose level should be done before, during and after exercise -- especially if you're doing a new activity and are unsure how your body will respond. The Vanderbilt University Medical Center recommends checking your sugar 30 minutes before and after exercise in addition to checking it during activity. If you experience any signs of dizziness, shakiness or confusion, you should stop exercising and eat or drink a carbohydrate source. You should also stop working out if your blood sugar is 100 mg/dL or lower.
Member Comments