| Abstract: |
This article discusses the discusses the importance of diet in maintaining physical performance during an endurance event. The body obtains energy from carbohydrates, fat, and protein in the diet. Carbohydrates are needed to maintain blood glucose levels during exercise and provide energy to metabolically active muscles. The week before a major endurance event, participants need to start building their stores of carbohydrates. One to two hours before the race, they should have a small meal that is high in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and low in fat and fiber. People whose blood glucose is at a desirable level will also need to replenish their carbohydrates during the event itself if it continues for more than an hour. Current recommendations call for 30 to 60 grams of easily digested carbohydrate per hour of prolonged activity. In addition, dehydration is one of the most common causes of poor performance in an endurance event, so adequate fluid needs to be consumed in the week before the endurance event, one to two hours prior to the event, and during the event. Although changes to the diet are needed to meet the demands of increased physical activity, they may not be recommended if certain conditions are present. For example, people who are vigorously active generally require higher dietary protein than those who are inactive, but some studies indicate that mild daily protein restriction may slow the progression of kidney disease among people with type 1 diabetes. Defining the goals of an exercise program can help people who have diabetes determine if they need to change their diet. The article includes guidelines on precautions people need to take prior to beginning an exercise program. |