Effect of Exercise on Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Regular exercise is recommended to individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as it is associated with improved longevity and reduced diabetes-related complications, yet the effects of exercise on glucose control have not been proven. We evaluated the impact of different modes of exercise on glycemic control in people with T1D during a 24-hour period following exercise. In a 3-week crossover trial, 10 adults with T1D who self-managed their glucose levels with their own insulin pump (4 M, 6 F; age 33 ± 6 years, HbA1c 7.4 ± 1%) were randomized to perform aerobic, resistance or no exercise (control). During each exercise week, participants completed two monitored in-clinic 45-minute sessions. Participant’s insulin pump data were downloaded, glucose sensor data was recorded using a continuous glucose monitor and meal intake was recorded using a custom phone app including photographs of the meals which were analysed post-hoc by a nutritionist. The primary outcome was percentage of time in euglycemia (70mg/dL <=glucose<=180 mg/dL) for the 24 hours after each bout of exercise as compared with the same period during the control week. Time in range following resistance exercise was significantly greater than during the control period (70% vs. 56%, respectively, p<0.05) while time in range following aerobic exercise (60%) was not statistically different. Results from this study indicate that resistance exercise could improve glycemic control in adults with T1D. Disclosure R. Reddy: None. A. Wittenberg: None. D. Branigan: None. K. Winters-Stone: None. J.R. Castle: Consultant; Self; Zealand Pharma A/S. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc.. J. El Youssef: None. P.G. Jacobs: Stock/Shareholder; Self; Pacific Diabetes Technologies.