Author(s): HAUDUM, J., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF SALZBURG, Country: AUSTRIA, Abstract-ID: 2615

INTRODUCTION:
Carbohydrates (CHO) are important for aline skiers during periods of intense training. Due to limited access to food and beverages on the slopes, skiers may be at risk of insufficient CHO intake. Indeed, studies have shown that CHO consumption in this population often falls below the recommended levels.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices measure glucose dynamics and are widely used in individuals with diabetes to manage and optimize blood glucose. In sports, CGM has been applied to improve fuelling strategies, daily nutrition and recovery.
The aim of this observational study was to investigate glycemic dynamics in professional alpine skiers during a training camp.
METHODS:
Five male alpine skiers (mean age 28 ± 4 yrs, tier 4+5) wore a minimally invasive blood glucose sensors, positioned on the back of the upper arm (Freestyle Libre 3, Abbott). The device remained in the body for 8-10 days and glucose data of these days were analysed. One sensor broke and data could not be used for the analysis. The remaining 4 athletes were included into the analysis. Mean overall glucose levels (24 hrs), mean levels during wake time (6:00-22:00) and night time (22:00-6:00) were calculated. There percentage of time spent below (<70 mg/dL or 3.9 mmol/L), within (70–140 mg/dL or 3.9–7.8 mmol/L) and above (>140 mg/dL or 7.8 mmol/L) were calculated. Athletes continued their usual dietary and fuelling habits during the training camp and data collection.
RESULTS:
Data showed very individual glucose dynamics. All athletes spent more than 70% of the total time within the glucose range. Mean daytime glucose was significantly higher than mean nighttime glucose. Less than 5% of the overall data were below the glucose range with most of the low events occurring during the night. This may have implications for individual recovery strategies. Glucose patterns showed higher values after a meal and after exercise and the following recovery shake, respectively.
CONCLUSION:
In the present study, glucose data of professional alpine skiers during a training camp were analysed. Despite intense training days, athletes maintained their glucose levels most of the time time within the reference range. Some episodes of low blood sugar were observed during the night. Given the small sample size of this investigation, future research should include a larger cohort - including female athletes - for a more comprehensive analysis. Additionally, because training days and competition days differ substantially in alpine skiing, future studies should examine glucose dynamics on competition days.

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