Regular physical activity is recommended for people with type 1 diabetes because the health benefits of an active lifestyle play an important role in their treatment.
Unfortunately, exercise also increases the risk of hypoglycaemia for people who are dependent on insulin. Consequently, people with diabetes are often reluctant to engage in regular exercise.
Our research, in collaboration with the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health at the University of Western Australia, focuses on what are the best ways for patients with type 1 diabetes to exercise safely. Our aims are to develop clinical guidelines, provide better advice for patients and educate patients on how to prevent hypos during and after exercise.
So far we have made some novel discoveries in the field of exercise and diabetes. We have shown that performing a short sprint before or after moderate-intensity exercise is useful for preventing or delaying hypoglycaemia caused due to exercise and that incorporating short sprints during moderate-intensity exercise decreases the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Our studies have also shown that the relationship between exercise intensity and carbohydrate requirements is not linear and the amount of carbohydrate required at basal insulin levels may be less than current recommendations, since there are many factors which affect blood glucose levels during exercise.
We are now undertaking separate studies to investigate the different factors which affect blood glucose levels during exercise. We are also performing a series of in-clinic and outpatient studies to address key gaps in current exercise guidelines.
For tips on how to manage diabetes and exercise safely, click here.
Find out more about our exercise research team and what they are working on here.