Food Supplement Blood Sugar

Carbohydrates, like fats and proteins, are essential macronutrients. They include all types of sugars, including glucose, which is the main source of energy for the body. This concentration of glucose in the blood is called blood glucose, and the latter is crucial for many bodily and hormonal mechanisms. Zoom in on the benefits of a food supplement in blood sugar for athletes.

What is the role of blood sugar in athletic performance?

Blood glucose, or blood sugar , is essential for athletic performance because glucose is the main source of quick energy for muscles and the brain (1). During exercise, stable blood sugar levels ensure a continuous energy supply, to prevent fatigue and maintain endurance. Levels that are too low ( hypoglycemia ) can lead to energy dips, dizziness, and decreased performance, while levels that are too high ( hyperglycemia ) can disrupt energy efficiency and cause metabolic problems. Proper regulation, such as through a healthy food supplement , is therefore crucial to optimize athletic performance and recovery.

Athletes: why take a blood sugar food supplement?

Stabilization of energy levels

For athletes, maintaining stable energy levels is essential for optimizing physical performance, especially during prolonged training or intense competition. And fluctuations in blood sugar can lead to energy dips, dizziness, and feelings of fatigue. A blood sugar supplement often contains ingredients like chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, and gymnema sylvestre, all of which help improve sensitivity to insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels). Improved insulin sensitivity allows muscle cells to more efficiently absorb glucose from the blood, stabilizing blood sugar levels and providing more consistent energy during exercise.

Improved muscle recovery

After intense physical exertion, muscles need glucose to replenish their glycogen stores , which is the stored form of glucose in the body. This mechanism can speed up recovery and reduce muscle soreness. A blood sugar supplement can help optimize glucose uptake by muscles post-exercise, promoting faster recovery . For example, alpha-lipoic acid not only improves insulin sensitivity, but also acts as an antioxidant to speed muscle recovery.

Craving Reduction and Weight Management

Fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to cravings (especially for foods high in sugar), which can make weight management difficult for athletes. Conversely, maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help control these cravings to prevent unwanted weight gain (2). Blood sugar-regulating supplements often contain chromium or soluble fiber like glucomannan, which slow the absorption of carbohydrates and promote satiety .

Prevention of hypoglycemia during exercise

Hypoglycemia (excessive drop in blood sugar) is a risk for athletes, especially during prolonged efforts. It can lead to a sudden drop in energy. A food supplement for blood sugar can then prevent sudden drops in blood sugar levels by regulating the release of glucose into the body.

General metabolic support

An efficient metabolism is crucial not only for performance, but also for managing body composition (muscle mass vs. fat mass). Substances like chromium, often found in a blood sugar supplement, play a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (3). By supporting the action of insulin, these supplements promote more efficient nutrient utilization to support athletic performance.

Sources:

(1) https://www.medecinesciences.org/en/articles/medsci/full_html/2009/11/medsci20092511p897/medsci20092511p897.html

(2) https://presse.inserm.fr/diabete-nouvelles-avancees-de-la-recherche-grace-a-letude-du-mecanisme-de-satiete/43484/

(3) https://theses.hal.science/tel-02494566/document