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In a landmark development for diabetes care, a new international guideline on the management of exercise for individuals with type 1 diabetes has been published. Led by Professor Dr. Othmar Moser from the University of Bayreuth, the guideline, developed in collaboration with 26 international experts, offers comprehensive advice for integrating physical activity with automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in people with type 1 diabetes. The guideline, published in Diabetologia, is the result of a collaboration between the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD).
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that impairs the body’s ability to produce insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. This condition requires careful management, including insulin administration and regular physical activity, which has been shown to be crucial for improving long-term health outcomes. However, as Professor Moser highlights, while physical activity is beneficial, it can also lead to fluctuations in blood glucose, which can complicate the management of the disease, especially with the use of automated insulin delivery systems.
“Physical activity offers clear health benefits, but it can also cause glucose fluctuations that challenge the effectiveness of current AID systems,” says Prof. Moser, who has dedicated over a decade to researching the intersection of exercise and diabetes.
Automated insulin delivery systems have revolutionized type 1 diabetes care, providing individuals with more precise control over their blood glucose levels. However, managing exercise-induced glucose fluctuations remains a challenge for these systems. This new guideline aims to bridge this gap by offering tailored recommendations for using AID technology during physical activity, ensuring that people with type 1 diabetes can exercise safely and effectively.
The guidelines include detailed advice for managing physical activity in children, adolescents, and adults with type 1 diabetes. It reviews the different AID systems available and provides specific recommendations on their use during exercise, considering the varied blood glucose responses that can occur. By introducing tiered therapeutic options, the guideline offers a practical roadmap to help individuals maintain their glucose levels within recommended ranges across all age groups.
“This guideline is a critical resource for healthcare providers and individuals with type 1 diabetes,” explains Prof. Moser. “Our goal is to empower people with type 1 diabetes to engage in physical activity without the risk of dangerous glucose fluctuations. This will not only enhance their quality of life but also reduce the long-term risk of secondary illnesses and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems globally.”
The guideline’s comprehensive approach is expected to improve the standard of care for individuals with type 1 diabetes, helping them live healthier, more active lives while managing their condition effectively.
This international initiative represents a significant step toward the goal of integrated, evidence-based care for type 1 diabetes, where exercise and modern technology work hand in hand to optimize health outcomes.
For more information, the full guideline can be accessed in Diabetologia [DOI: 10.1007/s00125-024-06308-z].
