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Fluid snacks to help persons with type 1 diabetes avoid late onset postexercise hypoglycemia.
J M Hernandez1, T Moccia, J D Fluckey
1Noll Physiological Research Center and Center for Locomotion Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|May 5, 2000
Summary
Whole milk and certain sports drinks can help prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) after exercise for individuals with type 1 diabetes. These beverages are effective alternatives to water for managing post-exercise blood glucose levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sports Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Managing blood glucose levels in individuals with type 1 diabetes during and after physical activity is crucial.
- Late onset postexercise hypoglycemia (LOPEH) is a significant concern for athletes with type 1 diabetes.
- Standard hydration with water may not be sufficient to prevent hypoglycemia during prolonged exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of whole milk, skim milk, and two commercial sports drinks in preventing late onset postexercise hypoglycemia (LOPEH) in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- To compare the glycemic responses to different beverages consumed before, during, and after exercise.
- To determine the optimal beverage choice for glycemic control in type 1 diabetes during exercise recovery.
Main Methods:
- Participants with type 1 diabetes ingested isocaloric beverages (water, whole milk, skim milk, sports drink A, sports drink B) during 1 hour of moderate-intensity cycling.
- No adjustments were made to insulin dosages prior to exercise.
- Blood glucose levels were monitored throughout the study period, including pre-exercise, during exercise, and for several hours post-exercise.
Main Results:
- Water trials resulted in hypoglycemia in all participants.
- Most beverages led to moderate hyperglycemia between exercise and dinner, except for whole milk which maintained levels between 80-120 mg/dL.
- Whole milk demonstrated the least decline in blood glucose in the evening, while skim milk required additional carbohydrate intake.
- Sports drink B caused persistent hyperglycemia for up to 4 hours post-exercise.
- Hypoglycemia occurred in 7 out of 28 trials, primarily in the pre-bed and early morning hours.
Conclusions:
- Whole milk is an effective option for preventing LOPEH in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
- Commercial sports drinks designed for both rapid (Sport Drink A) and sustained (Sport Drink B) nutrient replenishment can be utilized to avoid LOPEH.
- Beverage selection plays a critical role in post-exercise glycemic management for type 1 diabetes patients.