Effect of prolonged exercise on blood glucose levels of under-trainee divers : A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Diving training involves prolonged exercise at high intensity on daily basis, continued for months. During the daily prolonged training (also known as circuit training), the under-trainee divers carry out running, swimming and other strengthening exercises for a 2-21/2 hrs at a stretch. The divers are not provided with any form of supplementation during the exercise routine. There are occasional incidences of exhaustion and unexplained syncope in these under-trainees especially just before finishing the exercise schedule, which could possibly be due to hypoglycemia. In order to investigate this unexplained syncope, a pilot study was carried out on a batch of under-trainee divers to evaluate their capillary blood sugar levels before and after the training schedule. Material and methods: 36 under-trainee divers (all males) were included in the study. Their blood glucose levels were checked using glucometer (Accuchek active) before and after the circuit training. The findings were recorded on excel worksheet and analysed. Their mean blood glucose levels were calculated pre and post training and a paired 't' test was done to analyse the significance of the change in blood glucose levels. Results: The mean BMI of the under-trainee divers was 22.41±1.25 Kg/m2. The mean blood glucose levels pre-training was 113.92±22.48 mg/dl. 3 0 % under-trainees were found to have pre-exercise blood sugar 140mg/dl. The mean blood glucose after exercise was significantly lower at 91.50±10.80 mg/dl. 75 % divers were found to have post exercise blood glucose 6.5%, it should be further investigated using blood sugar fasting (F) and Post Prandial (PP). Also the undertrainee divers should be provided with carbohydrate, salt and fluid supplementation during the circuit training to prevent exhaustion.

Keywords

• Diver training
• Blood glucose