Dynamics of insulin and glucose changes during early recovery after physical load in elite athletes

Abstract

During intense physical loads, carbohydrates are the main substrate for working muscles. This process involves increased glucose uptake by muscles, facilitated in part by insulin. This study investigated the impact of intense physical loads on blood glucose and insulin concentrations in elite athletes during the early recovery period. Methods: Evaluation methods included gas analysis (maximal oxygen consumption), heart rate monitoring, anthropometry, bioimpedance, biochemical analysis and statistical methods. The study was carried out with the participation of 39 elite athletes. The study protocol included three stages: blood sampling to assess the initial glucose and insulin concentrations; the test load; and taking blood samples to estimate glucose and insulin concentrations during the early recovery period 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes after the test load. Results and conclusions: It was established that glucose and insulin concentrations increased in response to the physical load performed. The relationship between the increase in insulin concentration after intensive physical load and its initial value was revealed. A lower basal insulin concentration is followed by a higher increase after physical load. Thus, it can be concluded that the severity of changes in insulin depends on its basal level. This is an interesting fact and requires further research to establish the boundaries of the optimal values of its basal level. In addition, the research on changes in insulin and glucose concentrations in the recovery period after being influenced by intense physical loads is a perspective direction for understanding the mechanisms of the recovery process.