What is a key exercise consideration for individuals with Type 1 diabetes?

What is a key exercise consideration for individuals with Type 1 diabetes?

• A. No special considerations beyond general guidelines.
• B. Regular dehydration risk only.
• C. Hyperglycaemia risk only during exercise.
• D. Risk of hypoglycaemia during and after exercise, adjust insulin and carbohydrate intake, monitor BGLs closely.

Answer: (D)

When someone has Type 1 diabetes, exercise changes how the body manages glucose. Muscles pull in more glucose during activity, and insulin sensitivity can increase, which can cause blood glucose to drop. That means there’s a real risk of hypoglycemia during exercise and for several hours afterward. The best approach is to plan around the workout by adjusting insulin dosing and carbohydrate intake, and by checking blood glucose levels closely before, during, and after activity. Have quick-acting carbohydrates available to treat lows, and consider modifying rapid-acting insulin around the workout while ensuring you’ve had enough carbs to cover the activity. Hypoglycemia can persist post-exercise, especially after longer or intense sessions, so continued monitoring and possible post-exercise snacks are important. This covers both the immediate and delayed risk, which is why it’s the most appropriate guidance. Dehydration or hyperglycemia only views miss the central risk pattern and management needs for exercise in Type 1 diabetes.

When someone has Type 1 diabetes, exercise changes how the body manages glucose. Muscles pull in more glucose during activity, and insulin sensitivity can increase, which can cause blood glucose to drop. That means there’s a real risk of hypoglycemia during exercise and for several hours afterward. The best approach is to plan around the workout by adjusting insulin dosing and carbohydrate intake, and by checking blood glucose levels closely before, during, and after activity. Have quick-acting carbohydrates available to treat lows, and consider modifying rapid-acting insulin around the workout while ensuring you’ve had enough carbs to cover the activity. Hypoglycemia can persist post-exercise, especially after longer or intense sessions, so continued monitoring and possible post-exercise snacks are important. This covers both the immediate and delayed risk, which is why it’s the most appropriate guidance. Dehydration or hyperglycemia only views miss the central risk pattern and management needs for exercise in Type 1 diabetes.