How soon after exercise does delayed hypoglycemia typically occur?

Delayed hypoglycemia typically occurs 6 to 12 hours after exercise, especially in individuals who are at risk, such as those with diabetes who manage their condition with insulin or sulfonylureas. After vigorous exercise, the body continues to utilize glucose for recovery, which can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels several hours after the activity has stopped.

This effect is exacerbated by factors such as the intensity and duration of the exercise, meal composition prior to the session, and individual metabolic responses. Even if a person feels stable immediately after exercising, their glycogen stores could be depleted, resulting in hypoglycemia later on. Recognizing this timing is crucial for appropriate management and prevention strategies in susceptible populations.

The other options presented correspond to periods that are outside the typical timeframe observed for the onset of delayed hypoglycemia after physical exertion.