What role does Glukose play in Sport?

Glucose is the primary fuel for muscle contraction, especially during high-intensity or anaerobic exercise. The body stores glucose as glycogen in muscles and the liver. During sports, glycogen is broken down into glucose and used via glycolysis to produce ATP. Individual glucose metabolism is influenced by training status, diet, and genetics. For example, the common FTO variant rs9939609 is associated with higher BMI but not directly with glucose utilization during exercise. The evidence for glucose's role is mechanistic and well-established in exercise physiology. Practical implications: carbohydrate intake before, during, and after exercise enhances performance and recovery. However, individual responses to carbohydrates vary – genetic tests offer limited actionable insights. Safety note: individuals with metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes) should manage carbohydrate intake under medical supervision.