If you exercise on an empty stomach or have symptoms of diabetes, you are more likely to experience low blood sugar after exercising. So what are the symptoms of low blood sugar after exercise? And what should you do if you have low blood sugar after exercise?
Symptoms of low blood sugar after exercise
Mild symptoms of low blood sugar
Symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, weakness, seeing stars, numbness in hands and feet, etc. When these symptoms occur, immediately eat some sugary food or drink a sugary beverage, and rest for about ten minutes to relieve the symptoms.
Moderate symptoms of low blood sugar
Moderate low blood sugar can cause confusion, slurred speech, trembling limbs, restlessness, and other discomfort.
Severe symptoms of low blood sugar
Severe low blood sugar can cause shortness of breath, dilated pupils, fainting, and other symptoms. Moderate and severe symptoms of low blood sugar often occur during long-distance running or ultra-long-distance sports. If you experience these two types of low blood sugar symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention promptly.
Stop exercising immediately if low blood sugar occurs
After a low blood sugar episode, stop exercising immediately and sit or lie down to rest. It is best to find a place to sit with a backrest and lean back slightly with the upper body.
Immediately replenish carbohydrates
If the symptoms are relatively mild, immediately consume a sugary food or drink juice, such as eating two spoonfuls of raisins, a few pieces of candy, or 15 grams of glucose, to replenish an appropriate amount of carbohydrates. Rest for about ten minutes and the symptoms will improve. If the symptoms do not significantly improve after consuming 15 grams of carbohydrates, repeat the carbohydrate replenishment after five to ten minutes, and eat some bread or other food to prevent worsening of low blood sugar symptoms.
How to prevent low blood sugar symptoms after exercise
1. Avoid exercising on an empty stomach. Eat some sugary food before exercising. You can exercise 1 to 2 hours after a meal and carry sugary food or juice with you.
2. People who are prone to low blood sugar should choose aerobic exercises as much as possible, avoid intense exercise, and not exercise excessively to prevent low blood sugar.
3. When ending your exercise, do not stop suddenly. Do some gentle exercises such as stretching your legs and arms. If you are running, you can walk for a distance before stopping completely, and wait for your heart rate to gradually stabilize to a normal level before ending the exercise.
