How does exercise typically affect blood glucose levels?

Exercise is well known to generally have a positive impact on blood glucose levels, primarily leading to a decrease in those levels. When you engage in physical activity, your muscles require more energy and, as a result, they consume glucose from the bloodstream. This process can help lower blood glucose levels, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk for developing the condition. Through this mechanism, exercise increases the uptake of glucose by the muscles, which can lead to improved insulin sensitivity over time.

For individuals managing their blood sugar, integrating regular exercise can assist in achieving better control and stability of glucose levels. Consistent physical activity can also contribute to long-term metabolic health, reducing the risk of complications associated with high blood glucose.

The other options, while presenting different ideas about the interaction between exercise and blood sugar, do not reflect the typical physiological responses observed with exercise. For instance, stating that exercise increases blood glucose levels or causes insulin resistance does not align with the established understanding of the beneficial effects of exercise on glucose metabolism.