Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Exercising regularly is a great way to stay healthy, keep fit and control your weight. When you have type 1 diabetes, there’s a couple of extra steps you will need to take to exercise safely. Exercise affects your blood glucose levels so a general rule test and records your blood glucose levels before, during and after exercise. This can help you work out how much carbohydrate to eat and how much insulin to take.
Being insulin-dependent can make you more likely to have a hypo (lower blood glucose level) during exercise, so if you’re thinking about becoming more active, speak to your GP or diabetes care team first to make sure you can do so safely.
To find out more about activity, exercise and diabetes, register for our Understanding Type 1 e-learning course. There is also a list of additional resources about activity, exercise and diabetes below.
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People with diabetes are encouraged to exercise regularly for better blood glucose control and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additional benefits of exercise include a healthier heart, better weight control and stress management.
Having type 1 diabetes shouldn't stop you from taking part in extreme sports, however, it does mean that you have to be a bit more prepared and plan for the unexpected. Martin Draper talks about his experiences with having type 1 diabetes and participating in extreme sports.
This page discusses physical activity and exercise.
Here you will find some tips on on managing type 1 diabetes with exercise.
This resource explains how exercise and physical activity affects your blood glucose and what you should bear in mind before you start exercising.
A site that aims to help people with diabetes using insulin to feel comfortable with taking up exercise – covers the basic rules for most people living with diabetes.
A site for people with diabetes with a focus on sport, providing information on diabetes and sport as well as other issues that people with diabetes may experience.