Diabetes management for intense exercise.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

People with type 1 diabetes want to enjoy the benefits of sport and exercise, but management of diabetes in this context is complex. An understanding of the physiology of exercise in health, and particularly the control of fuel mobilization and metabolism, gives an idea of problems that may arise in managing diabetes for sport and exercise.

RECENT FINDINGS

Exercise is complicated both by hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia in particular circumstances. Recent data demonstrate both early and late hypoglycaemia associated with endurance exercise and also give new insights into fuel use during exercise in diabetes. These data also provide potential explanations for the reduction in maximal exercise capacity sometimes observed in people with diabetes, although it should be noted that this observation is by no means universal.

SUMMARY

Advances in the understanding of exercise physiology allow the development of management strategies that aim to help athletes with diabetes achieve appropriate metabolic control during exercise. These metabolic strategies, coupled with observations from each athlete's own experience, give a basis for individualized advice that will help athletes with diabetes to fulfil their full potential.