Physical activity has so many benefits, included improved blood glucose control, cardiovascular health, strength, mood boosts, increased energy, socialization and mental wellbeing.  However, for the person with Type 1 Diabetes, it can prove challenging without prior planning.

With Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas does not provide insulin to the body to allow the body’s cells to access the sugar in the blood stream.  Muscles need to access this blood sugar in order to have an energy source to function.  Someone with Type 1 Diabetes needs to balance their insulin dose with the food they eat and the activity they do to ensure their blood sugar levels are not too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).

Blood glucose levels are impacted by exercise, and can vary based on your blood glucose level before your start to exercise, how intense the activity is that you are doing, the amount of time that you exercise and the amount of insulin you have taken.  Because of these factors, there is a possibility of blood sugar levels dropping either during or after activities, even simple activity such as Spring yard cleanup or Spring cleaning of the house.  Therefore, it is important for someone who has Type 1 Diabetes to check blood glucose levels consistently around the time of physical activity, planning ahead to have a snack or emergency glucose source available, such as a quick acting carbohydrate in case you need to treat hypoglycemia.

If you or your loved one with Type 1 Diabetes is starting to engage in physical activity, be sure to touch base with your healthcare provider to look at risks and to develop a sound plan to manage blood sugar levels. Both high and low blood sugars can occur for someone with Type 1 Diabetes.

For low blood sugars, you and your healthcare provider’s plan might include:

1. Checking blood sugars before, during and after a physical activity and tracking the results to review with your provider.
2. Possibly lowering your insulin dose prior to exercise
3. Consider having extra carbohydrate-filled snack before exercising to keep your blood sugars at a level that allows your body to utilize that energy source.
4. Planning ahead with having access to a carbohydrate snack or drink for eating during the workout that will be quickly absorbed into the blood stream if sugar levels are dropping during activity.
5. Documenting what activities, you are engaged in when blood sugar levels drop, as your body might respond differently to different types of activities.

For high blood sugars, you and your healthcare provider’s plan might include:

• Monitor for high blood sugars both during and after exercise. This is common especially if you have been engaged in extremely strenuous activities such as running or hiking several miles, or playing an intense sport for an extended period of time. These types of high intensity activities release hormones which can actually raise glucose levels in the blood stream.
• Checking your blood or urine levels for ketones. Ketones are a byproduct produced by the body when it breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. If blood sugar levels are too low in the body, this process known as Ketosis will occur.  If there are too many ketones in the body, you can be at risk for Diabetic Ketoacidosis, which is dangerous and potentially fatal.

This all seems like a lot to manage, doesn’t it? But as an adult with Type 1 Diabetes, it is easier to manage all of this with just a little planning.  But for a child who tends to be a bit more spontaneous with their activities, it can be more challenging.  It is important for their wellbeing, to start with more oversight and tracking blood sugar levels as well as having open conversations with them about symptoms of low blood sugars, checking blood sugar levels and about carrying a “hypo bag” with glucose tablets and blood sugar monitor, or a fruit juice or carbohydrate snack that can quickly boost blood sugar levels to prevent low glucose levels. Engage your healthcare provider team for these discussion and suggestions on ways to help manage Type 1 Diabetes.

Together, with your healthcare providers, you and/or your loved ones will be able to find a plan that balances your diet, your insulin and your activity levels so you can benefit from staying active.

References: 

American Diabetes Association (2025) www.diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/exercise-and-type-1 

Cleveland Clinic (2025) www.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25177-ketones

Amy Campbell, MS, RD (2020) Considerations for Exercising with Type 1 Diabetes  Diabetes Self-Management www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/nutrition-exercise/exercise/considerations-exercising-type-1-diabetes/