Final answer:
Glycogen depletion during exercise is associated with muscular fatigue and hypoglycemia, but not with enhanced endurance performance. Athletes have larger glycogen stores, which contribute to their endurance and allow for the effective metabolism of fats as well once glycogen is depleted.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glycogen depletion during exercise is primarily associated with muscular fatigue and hypoglycemia. While exercising, glycogen stored in the muscles is broken down to produce glucose for energy, leading to its depletion. When muscle glycogen levels begin to fall significantly, there may not be enough readily available energy for muscles to function properly, causing fatigue. Exercise-induced hypoglycemia can occur post-exercise due to heightened insulin sensitivity and the consumption of glucose during the exercise, which can drop blood sugar levels.
However, glycogen depletion is not associated with enhanced endurance performance. In fact, well-trained athletes often have glycogen stores that allow them to perform at a high level for a long duration. They are capable of metabolizing not only carbohydrates but also fats for energy once glycogen stores are low, a process that becomes more efficient with training.