Nutritional concerns in the diabetic athlete.
The etiology of type I and type II diabetes differs and so do the nutritional challenges during and after exercise. For type I diabetics, exercise may cause hypoglycemia. To avoid hypoglycemia, a carbohydrate-rich meal should be eaten 1 to 3 hours prior to exercise and the insulin dose reduced. During exercise, at least 40 g glucose per hour should be ingested; more if the insulin dose is not reduced. After exercise, it is important to rebuild the glycogen stores to reduce the risk for hypoglycemia. Carbohydrates should always be available during training and in the recovery period. Despite these difficulties, exercise is recommended for type I diabetics and competition at high level is possible. Exercise prevents development of type II diabetes and improves metabolic regulation. For type II diabetics, exercise is normally performed to improve insulin sensitivity and to reduce body weight. Carbohydrates should only be supplied to prevent hypoglycemia.
Jensen
Jørgen
J
Department of Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep., N-0033, Oslo, Norway. jorgen.jensen@stami.no
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006003:Glycogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000378:metabolism; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006003:Glycogen