Type 1 Diabetes & Exercise

Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle for every person. If you’re living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), exercise is an important part of your management plan. Here’s a guide to exercise and T1D.

How does exercise help type 1 diabetes?

If you live with T1D, you’ll know that you need an ongoing management plan developed alongside your care team. Exercise will often be an important part of your management plan, as it will help you maintain general health and have greater control over your T1D.

To find out why exercise is especially important for people with T1D, key signs of high/low blood sugar to look out for and tips for starting safely, check out our video:

Benefits of exercise for type 1 diabetes

Aside from the general physical and mental health benefits of exercise, people living with T1D can also find that exercise helps to help manage their blood glucose levels. It also increases insulin sensitivity, meaning your body won’t need as much insulin to process carbohydrates after exercise. Keeping exercise as part of your T1D management plan will help prevent long-term complications and also help you see the benefits that exercise offers every person. This includes lower blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, reduced stress, increased strength and stronger bones, as well as a boost in energy.

How does exercise affect blood glucose levels?

If you’re living with T1D, it’s important to remember that exercising can impact your blood glucose levels, so you’ll want to check them before, during and after exercise. This way, you’ll understand what to eat and when to adjust your insulin. It’s worth noting down your blood glucose levels so you can track how your body responds to exercise and share this with your T1D management team.

Sometimes, certain types of exercise are associated with a drop in blood glucose levels. Check out our video, which explains how insulin and glucagon control the uptake and production of glucose and how they function during exercise.

Keep in mind that your blood glucose levels may actually rise with exercise. Learn more about why this happens during or after exercise and what people with T1D should be aware of while exercising in our video.

Type 1 diabetes and exercise for children

Exercise for kids with T1D is just important as it is for adults. And kids with T1D can exercise safely; it just takes some planning. Be sure to put an insulin plan into action that’s specifically written for your child and inform teachers, friends and coaches. This way, your child can balance their insulin-and-exercise relationship with the support of those around them.

Check out our video for general information to guide anyone supporting children with T1D through exercise. It will help them understand the impact of exercise on blood glucose levels and any warning signs to look out for.