In an adolescent with type 1 diabetes, which statement best describes exercise?

In an adolescent with type 1 diabetes, which statement best describes exercise?

• A. Extra snacks are needed before exercise.
• B. Exercise should be restricted.
• C. Exercise will increase blood glucose.
• D. Extra insulin is required during exercise.

Answer: (A)

During exercise, muscles use more glucose and insulin sensitivity increases, so blood glucose often tends to fall. To prevent exercise-related hypoglycemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, having an extra snack before starting activity is commonly recommended. This provides the carbohydrate needed to sustain glucose levels as activity begins and continues, especially for longer or more intense sessions; the exact amount depends on how long and hard the exercise will be and the person’s current glucose, but the idea is to blunt a drop in glucose rather than waiting for it to fall. Restricting exercise isn’t appropriate—the goal is to promote safe activity with planning and adjustment. Exercise usually lowers rather than raises blood glucose, so saying it will increase glucose isn’t accurate in typical scenarios. Requiring extra insulin during exercise isn’t standard practice; if anything, insulin doses may need to be reduced or meals/snacks increased to prevent lows, not increased.

During exercise, muscles use more glucose and insulin sensitivity increases, so blood glucose often tends to fall. To prevent exercise-related hypoglycemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, having an extra snack before starting activity is commonly recommended. This provides the carbohydrate needed to sustain glucose levels as activity begins and continues, especially for longer or more intense sessions; the exact amount depends on how long and hard the exercise will be and the person’s current glucose, but the idea is to blunt a drop in glucose rather than waiting for it to fall.

Restricting exercise isn’t appropriate—the goal is to promote safe activity with planning and adjustment. Exercise usually lowers rather than raises blood glucose, so saying it will increase glucose isn’t accurate in typical scenarios. Requiring extra insulin during exercise isn’t standard practice; if anything, insulin doses may need to be reduced or meals/snacks increased to prevent lows, not increased.