PhD Scientific Days 2026

Cardiovascular Medicine and Research 2.

Investigation of Exercise-Induced Blood Glucose Response

Name of the presenter

Bátai, Luca

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University, Heart and Vascular Center

Authors

Dr. Luca Kata Bátai¹, Petra Márton¹, Dr. Emese Csulak¹, Kamilla Zsuzsanna Szabó¹, Dr. Dorottya Balla¹, Dr. Csongor Zoltán Meskó¹, Dr. Liliána Erzsébet Szabó¹, Prof. Dr. Hajnalka Vágó¹, Prof. Dr. Béla Merkely¹, Dr. Nóra Sydó¹
1: Semmelweis University, Heart and Vascular Center

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Physical activity may improve glycemic stability; however, exercise-induced hormonal responses can also cause significant blood glucose fluctuations. It is not yet clear which blood glucose response pattern underlies favorable adaptations in athletic performance.
Aims: The aim of this study was to classify athletes into metabolic groups based on exercise-induced blood glucose response patterns and to examine the relationship between these patterns and performance.
Method: During sports cardiology screening, blood glucose was measured at three points (rest, peak exercise, restitution) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Athletes with blood glucose changes of at least 0.8 mmol/L during both exercise and restitution were classified as dynamic (D) responders. Those with changes in only one phase were classified as moderate (M) responders, while athletes with no relevant change were classified as consistent (C) responders.
Results: A total of 1127 examinations were performed in 624 athletes (22.0±0.5 years; male n = 903). Repeated examinations were available for 232 athletes (two examinations n=118, more than two examinations n=114). Based on blood glucose response patterns, 363 athletes (32%) were classified into the D group, 644 athletes (57%) into the M group, and 120 athletes (11%) into the C group. The D group demonstrated better exercise performance compared with the other groups (D: 352.7±68.8 vs. M: 342.8±77.0 vs. C: 328.4±83.7 W; p=0.01). Athletes in the D group also exhibited higher maximal aerobic capacity (D: 54.4±5.7 vs. M: 52.7±7.1 vs. C: 49.8±8.3 mL/kg/min; p<0.01) and longer maximal exercise duration (D: 13.2±1.8 vs. M: 12.6±2.3 vs. C: 11.4±2.5 min; p<0.01). Smaller blood glucose responses were associated with lower maximal aerobic capacity (β = −3.50, p<0.01) and shorter maximal exercise duration (β = −1.67, p<0.01). Among athletes with repeated testing, 46.3% exhibited the same blood glucose response pattern at follow-up, indicating moderate intra-individual reproducibility.
Conclusion: Exercise-induced blood glucose response patterns are associated with athletic performance. A dynamic blood glucose response is linked to better aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance, which may reflect metabolic flexibility and insulin sensitivity.
Funding: Funded by the Bolyai János Research Scholarship. EKÖP-KDP-2024.TKP2021-NKTA-46.