Jane E Yardley1, Dessi P Zaharieva2, Chris Jarvis3, Michael C Riddell2. 1. Manitoba Institute of Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; University of Alberta, Augustana Campus, Camrose, Alberta, Canada. Electronic address: jeyardle@ualberta.ca. 2. School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3. I Challenge Diabetes, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Recommendations for insulin adjustments and carbohydrate intake exist for individuals with type 1 diabetes who are undertaking moderate exercise. Very few guidelines exist for athletes with type 1 diabetes who are competing in events of higher intensity or longer duration. This observational study reports the strategies adopted by 6 habitually active men with type 1 diabetes (glycated hemoglobin = 8.3%±2.0%) undertaking a relatively intense endurance cycling event. METHODS: Participants wore continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors for 24 hours before competition, while racing and overnight postrace. They were asked to eat their regular meals and snacks and make their usual insulin adjustments before, during and after competition. All food intake and insulin adjustments were recorded in detail. RESULTS: Participants used a variety of adjustments for exercise. Of 6 participants, 4 decreased their insulin dosages and all participants consumed carbohydrates during the race (mean = 87±57 g). In spite of these strategies, 3 of the 6 participants experienced mild to moderate hypoglycemia (not requiring assistance) during the event. Hyperglycemia was seen in all participants 3 hours postexercise. There were no incidents of nocturnal hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with type 1 diabetes can compete in intensive long-distance athletic events using a variety of nutrition- and insulin-adjustment strategies. In addition to finely tuned insulin adjustments and increased carbohydrate intake, vigilance will always be required to maintain some semblance of glycemic control during events of extended duration.
OBJECTIVE: Recommendations for insulin adjustments and carbohydrate intake exist for individuals with type 1 diabetes who are undertaking moderate exercise. Very few guidelines exist for athletes with type 1 diabetes who are competing in events of higher intensity or longer duration. This observational study reports the strategies adopted by 6 habitually active men with type 1 diabetes (glycated hemoglobin = 8.3%±2.0%) undertaking a relatively intense endurance cycling event. METHODS:Participants wore continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors for 24 hours before competition, while racing and overnight postrace. They were asked to eat their regular meals and snacks and make their usual insulin adjustments before, during and after competition. All food intake and insulin adjustments were recorded in detail. RESULTS:Participants used a variety of adjustments for exercise. Of 6 participants, 4 decreased their insulin dosages and all participants consumed carbohydrates during the race (mean = 87±57 g). In spite of these strategies, 3 of the 6 participants experienced mild to moderate hypoglycemia (not requiring assistance) during the event. Hyperglycemia was seen in all participants 3 hours postexercise. There were no incidents of nocturnal hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with type 1 diabetes can compete in intensive long-distance athletic events using a variety of nutrition- and insulin-adjustment strategies. In addition to finely tuned insulin adjustments and increased carbohydrate intake, vigilance will always be required to maintain some semblance of glycemic control during events of extended duration.
Authors: Olivia McCarthy; Max L Eckstein; Sam N Scott; Federico Y Fontana; Mark P Christiansen; Christoph Stettler; Miles Fisher; Bruce Bode; Michael C Riddell; Charlotte Hayes; Peter L Lagrou; Phil Southerland; Othmar Moser; Richard M Bracken Journal: BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care Date: 2020-04
Authors: Olivia McCarthy; Rachel Deere; Max L Eckstein; Jason Pitt; Ben Wellman; Stephen C Bain; Othmar Moser; Richard M Bracken Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2021-01-07
Authors: Sam N Scott; Mark P Christiansen; Federico Y Fontana; Christoph Stettler; Richard M Bracken; Charlotte A Hayes; Miles Fisher; Bruce Bode; Peter H Lagrou; Phil Southerland; Michael C Riddell Journal: Diabetes Care Date: 2020-03-16 Impact factor: 19.112