You can exercise and do sports if you have type 1 diabetes. You'll just have to take some extra steps to make sure you do it safely.
Exercise and sport can affect your blood glucose levels. Depending on the type of activity you do, it may cause your blood glucose levels to rise (hyperglycaemia) or drop (hypoglycaemia).
Moderate exercise that lasts a while, like walking or cycling, can cause a slow drop in blood glucose levels.
Some exercise, like running or football, might cause your blood glucose levels to rise.
There are things you can do to help you manage your blood glucose levels.
You can avoid hypos by eating the right amount of carbs before, during and after exercise.
You should adjust your insulin and check your blood glucose regularly. Your diabetes team can help.
Exercise affects everyone differently and it might take a little while to find out what works for you. But try to stick with it.
Exercise is not only good for your physical and mental health, it also helps reduce glucose spikes after meals.
As a general rule:
- check your blood glucose level before and during exercise – this'll help you work out what you should eat and when to adjust your insulin
- record your blood glucose levels and what you eat when you exercise – share this with your diabetes team to help find what works for you
- check your blood glucose levels regularly after exercise (they can drop up to 12 hours after exercise) – you may need to take extra carbohydrate or a lower dose of insulin before bed
- if you exercise, it's likely you'll need extra carbohydrate to prevent hypos
- drink plenty of water while you exercise