People with diabetes should regularly check for low blood sugar levels when they exercise at a high altitude. According to a small study published in The Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, exercise could cause hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) in patients with diabetes during and after a workout.
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Researchers studied seven people with type 1 diabetes, measuring their blood sugar levels before, during, and after two indoor cycling sessions that were similar to sea level and high-altitude conditions.
It was found that after one hour of exercise at 4,200 meters and during recovery, blood sugar levels were significantly lower.
Researchers believe these findings suggest that exercise at a high altitude could increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type one diabetes.
If a person’s blood sugar drops too low, quick action is needed, as they may suffer from seizures, become unconscious, or die. Researchers believe this study helps to show that exposure to high altitude during exercise or shortly after may increase the risk of exercise-mediated hypoglycemia.
A Change in Guidelines
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Cory Dugan of the University of Western Australia said, “We ask that future guidelines consider these findings to increase the safety of people with type one diabetes when traveling from low to high altitude areas like the mountains without any acclimatization.”
This study outlines the importance of checking blood sugar levels in different types of conditions and situations. Many people don’t realize how environmental changes can affect blood sugar, but for those with diabetes, it can mean life or death.
Keeping blood sugar stable is important for everyone, not just those with diabetes. Healthy Blood Sugar Support is formulated to help support healthy blood pressure and support cholesterol levels. This heart health formula provides comprehensive support for healthy blood sugar and overall health.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
