Exercise in children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Regular physical activity/exercise improves physical and mental health in pediatric type 1 diabetes. Included in the treatment goals of modern type 1 diabetes are the facilitation of full participation in daily physical activity and exercise and that type 1 diabetes not impede success at the highest levels of performance. For youth, accumulated physical activity should meet or exceed 60 min per day. Strategies to address exercise-induced glucose excursions, especially both early and delayed hypoglycemia, have been tested in the clinical research setting, but further studies are required. In general, insulin dose reductions and increased carbohydrate snacks are needed for aerobic exercise while intense anaerobic exercise may require conservative insulin treatment in early recovery if hyperglycemia occurs. Compared to sedentary youth with type 1 diabetes, active youth with type 1 diabetes tend to have lower HbA1c levels and reduced insulin needs, but acute glycemic control remains a challenge because of the various types of activities that children and adolescents often perform.