Diabetes Alert: Morning Fasted Exercise May Spike Blood Sugar
1Intense exercise on an empty stomach can spike blood sugar for diabetics.
2Stress hormones trigger the liver to release stored sugar into the blood.
3Exercising 30 minutes after a meal is recommended for safe management.
📖 Easy Explanation
🔍 Background
While exercise is vital for diabetes management, working out at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions can actually be harmful to the body.
📌 Key Points
Intense exercise early in the morning on an empty stomach is perceived as an emergency by the body. This triggers the release of 'catecholamines,' stress hormones that cause the liver to release stored sugar into the bloodstream, spiking blood sugar levels. For those using insulin, this also increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
💡 Why It Matters
For individuals with diabetes, it is best to exercise 30 to 60 minutes after finishing a meal rather than on an empty stomach. Light activities such as walking or using a stationary bike are much more effective at safely lowering blood sugar levels without straining the body.
📚 Glossary
카테콜아민 (Catecholamine)A type of stress hormone that raises blood sugar levels to provide the body with energy.
공복 (Gongbok)A state of fasting or having an empty stomach.