Table 2 Basal and stimulated cortisol levels in response to an insulin tolerance test (ITT) in athletes (ATL) and non-physically active control subjects (NPAC)

 Basal

12.5 ± 3.1

10.9 ± 2.8

ns

 During hypoglycemia

15.9 ± 5.3

11.8 ± 3.1

0.016

 P-value of Δ cortisol (x basal)

0.018

NS

 30 Minutes after hypoglycemia

21.7 ± 3.1

16.9 ± 4.1

<0.0001

 P-value of Δ cortisol (x basal)

<0.0001

0.0004