REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- A diabetic bodybuilder faces charges of assault and resisting arrest following a run-in with police who mistakenly believed he was intoxicated.

Doug Burns, 43, was sprayed with Mace and wrestled to the ground by officers who were summoned to a movie theater Sunday night by a security guard, authorities said.

Burns, who was trying a new diabetes drug that night, said Monday he was preparing to see a film when he felt dizziness and poor vision -- a sign of low blood sugar -- and hurried to a snack counter.

The security guard noticed Burns' strange behavior and asked him to leave, thinking he was intoxicated, Redwood City Police Capt. Chris Cesena said.

When officers arrived, Burns allegedly lunged at one of them, pushing him to the ground with both hands, and took a fighting stance, Cesena said. Burns continued being combative until four officers wrestled him down, the captain said.

An on-scene medical test later confirmed that Burns had low blood sugar during the incident, Cesena said.

Burns won first prize in the 2006 Mr. Natural Universe competition and often speaks publicly about his diabetes to raise awareness of the disease.

Burns was charged with misdemeanor assault and resisting arrest.

"The fact is Mr. Burns assaulted our officer," Cesena said.

A court date has not been set.