Principle #7, You get Two Hours and Two Days from a workout.

Principle #7, You get Two Hours and Two Days from a workout.

I have noticed especially in the longer runs that while running the BS do not change significantly over 16 – 20K distances. But as your muscles work they are using the glucose stored in the cells. Over the run you deplete this store of energy. Where I see the big effect of Blood Sugar drop is 1 – 2hours after the run.

For those first two hours after your run, your body is busy moving the Blood Glucose to the muscles cells. After the initial 2 hours your body will still have a higher then normal need for Carbs. Theory says that the effect of this can be felt up to two days after your work out.

Imagine exercising the minimum 30 minutes a day and your body using more Blood sugar then you would if you did not exercise. Think about what this means if you exercise you use more sugar from your blood. This will lower your blood sugar level. How do you replace blood sugar, why eating of course.

Sunday is treat day for me, after I run. I do a very long run on Sunday, my blood sugar nose dives afterwards. Imagine being able to sit in front of a plate of Nacho’s and eating them guilt free and knowing that it is not going to affect your blood sugar. In fact chance are at least for me that in 2 – 3 hours I will be eating again trying to maintain my Blood sugar level in the normal range.

So in conclusion, diet is not enough, some sort of physical exercise is needed. CDA, recommends 30 minutes five times per week. Check with your doctor about starting a plan. Also you will have to find the exercise that is right for you.

Harry