Delayed-Onset Hypoglycemia

Delayed-onset hypoglycemia is a phenomenon that occurs typically between 6 and 15 (some studies even suggest up to 30 hours) after cessation of exercise. You are at the highest risk when you start to increase the intensity or duration of your exercise program. For this reason, it is important that you consult your physician and monitor your glucose levels frequently before making any changes to your exercise regimen.

The delay in the onset of hypoglycemia occurs secondary to increases in glucose uptake by the muscles and liver. These organs replenish their glucose stores, in turn decreasing the sugar levels in the blood. This repletion of glucose stores occurs even hours after exercise. As you can see, if you do not eat properly after exercising (replacing your body's glucose), your liver and muscle will take what you have in your blood and store it, leaving you in a hypoglycemic state several hours after you have completed exercising. The best way to avoid delayed-onset hypoglycemia is to eat regularly and monitor your glucose after exercising. It is paramount that all people with diabetes receive education on proper eating habits. Typically a dietitian is an integral part of your health care team.