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. We aim to develop clinical guidelines that provide improved 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. The current guidelines available for managing diabetes around exercise vary and are challenging to follow. Our research team is directing research in order to fill the gaps in the current guidelines based on what patients, families and the clinicians from the T1D clinics have said. Our end goal is to develop more comprehensive and evidence based guidelines for people with T1D to safely participate in a more physically active lifestyle.
Before we are able to circulate the guidelines, we need to work with the people who will use them, to ensure we are meeting their needs and providing them in a format that is understood and acceptable to use.