Biochemical, physiological and psychological changes during endurance exercise in people with type 1 diabetes.
File(s)
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of people with diabetes are adopting exercise programs. Fear of hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia itself, and injuries are major issues for many people with diabetes undertaking physical activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of type 1 diabetes mellitus on the risk of hypoglycemia, glycemic variability, exercise performance, changes in body composition, changes in insulin dosage, and psychosocial well-being during a multiday endurance exercise event. METHODS: Eleven participants (7 with type 1 diabetes, 4 with normal glucose tolerance) undertook a 15-day, 2300 km cycling tour from Barcelona to Vienna. Data were prospectively collected using bike computers, continuous glucose monitors, body composition analyzers, and mood questionnaires. RESULTS: Mean blood glucose in riders with and without diabetes significantly reduced as the event progressed. Glycemic variability and time spent in hypoglycemia did not change throughout the ride for either set of riders. Riders with diabetes in the lowest quartile of sensor glucose values had significantly reduced power output. Percentage body fat also significantly fell. Hypo- and hyperglycemia provoked feelings of anxiety and worry. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe a real-time endurance event in type 1 diabetes, and provides important new data that cannot be studied in laboratory conditions. Hypoglycemia continues to occurs in spite of peer support and large reductions in insulin dose. Glycemic variability is shown as a potential barrier to participation in physical activity through effects on mood and psychological well-being.
Date Issued
2016-09-30
Date Acceptance
2016-09-01
Citation
Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 2016, 11 (3), pp.529-536
ISSN
1932-2968
Publisher
Sage
Start Page
529
End Page
536
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology
Volume
11
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© 2016 Diabetes Technology Society. The final, definitive version of this paper has been published in Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology 1–8 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1932296816671956 dst.sagepub.com
Identifier
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27694284
PII: 1932296816671956
Subjects
continuous glucose monitoring
endurance exercise
hypoglycemia
type 1 diabetes
1111 Nutrition And Dietetics
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States