When you exercise at high intensities, your muscles use LOTS of glucose for fuel and your body senses this as a threat (glycogen depletion). This threat stimulates the release of hormones such as adrenaline as well as the release of myokines which tells the liver to release more glucose for fuel (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis).This can elevate blood glucose levels during and 1-2 hours after high intensity exercise (HIE). This may be more pronouned in T1D & T2D.

This is not a bad thing as your body is smart and senses the need for extra fuel (and this is also the reason why eating carbohydrate is not needed before exercise).

✅️Although BGL may increase from HIE, studies have shown HIE is as or more effective than traditional cardio exercise for diabetes. In the extended post-exercise period, studies have reported improved blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity for up to 72 hours post-HIE!! This is due to several reasons but a main reason is due to increases in glucose transporters which allows bood glucose to easily enter the cell without the need OR a lower need for insulin.

✅️Another benefit is that these hormones also trigger the breakdown, burning and utilization of stored fat!