And if the body is unable to process the glucose effectively, which helps glucose get into cells to be used properly for many functions, the glucose ‘sits’ in the blood. Regular exercise can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing the need for muscles to remove glucose from the blood to use for energy. Stress-induced hyperglycemia can also result from the physical stress of having an infection, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections.
After engaging in physical activity, it is common for individuals to wonder about their blood sugar levels, especially those who are not diabetic. But what exactly is the normal range for non-diabetics blood sugar after exercise?
Because different types of activities can affect your blood sugar levels in different ways, it’s important to check your blood sugars after you finish exercising. You may also need to continue to check them for up to 24 hours after this. People with diabetes may have problems with their feet because high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves. To help prevent foot problems, wear comfortable and supportive shoes and take care of your feet before, during, and after physical activity. If you experience high blood sugar levels or low blood glucose levels compared to this range you should speak to your doctor.
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is a crucial source of energy for the body’s cells. When we eat, our bodies break down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then transported through the bloodstream to provide energy to our muscles and organs. Monitoring blood sugar levels is important for overall health and well-being.
But if you already have or prefer a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you can use the peak value one to two hours after you eat based on your CgM trace. To set the scene, the table below shows the blood glucose values used to diagnose pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Opt for water, seltzer, hot or cold plain tea or coffee’without or with just a small amount of any added ingredients like cream, sugar, milk or nondairy creamer.
Most commonly, people think low blood sugar results from not eating enough or from burning a lot of fuel during a long cardio workout. However, being ‘hangry’ does not usually mean you are at a dangerously low level of blood glucose. Hypoglycemia occurs when an individual has low blood sugar or when the glucose in your blood drops below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Some people will have a different range of normal (i.e., a lower normal range). For people who are not on diabetic medicines like insulin, sustained hypoglycemia is extremely rare. To better understand what’s considered normal for blood sugar levels, it helps to know what happens when blood sugar is out of range and why it happens.
Normal Range for Non-Diabetics
A poor glucose response can be what leads to that sluggish and tired feeling. Luckily, there are effective ways to manage your postprandial glucose response. Excess fat cells also decrease the ability to remove glucose from the blood to be used for energy or stored as glycogen within skeletal muscles. With obesity, increased lipids, or fatty acid molecules, activate pathways that impair insulin signaling within muscles.
- Before exercise: The normal blood sugar range for non-diabetics before exercise is typically between 80-120 mg/dL.
- During exercise: During physical activity, blood sugar levels may increase temporarily due to the body’s increased demand for energy.
- After exercise: Post-exercise blood sugar levels for non-diabetics should ideally return to pre-exercise levels within 1-2 hours.
Your blood sugar levels are above target levels and getting active could cause them to rise even higher. It’s important to speak to your healthcare team as you may need to think more about the type of activity you are planning to do and possible changes to your treatment. Exercise can cause blood sugar to become too low in people who take insulin. The risk also applies to people with type 2 diabetes who take insulin or other medicines linked with lower blood sugar. Your healthcare professional can teach you how to balance your medicine with exercise and diet. Your body turns carbohydrates, or carbs, from food into glucose, which can raise your blood glucose level.
Fasting and non-fasting blood sugar tests are used to screen individuals for diabetes and prediabetes. The test uses a small blood sample to analyze the amount of hemoglobin’a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen and binds to glucose molecules. The higher the glucose level in your bloodstream, the more hemoglobin will bind to it and be detected by the A1C test. It can also happen if you neglect to eat beforehand, Kimberlain says. You may think that hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is only possible if you have diabetes. However, exercise-induced non-diabetic hypoglycemia can cause low blood sugar even if you don’t have diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do blood sugar levels increase during exercise?
- What should I do if my blood sugar levels are too high after exercise?
- Are there any risks associated with low blood sugar levels post-exercise?
It is important to note that individual blood sugar responses to exercise can vary, so it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Monitoring blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise can help individuals maintain optimal health and performance.
