01/17/2018

Type 1 Diabetes and Exercise: How Diabetes and Exercise Fit Together

By Megrette Fletcher M.Ed., RD, CDE

“When I exercise, my blood sugars will just bottom out,” explains Donna, who has type 1 diabetes. “It is frustrating, because even with my pump, I can’t seem to regulate my blood sugar so I don’t have lows when or right after I exercise.”

Many people with type 1 diabetes struggle with including exercise into their life. This is because different types of exercise affect blood sugar differently. Dr. Michael Davidson, of Wentworth Health Partners Endocrinology & Diabetes Consultants, understands these challenges personally as an avid cyclist and someone with type 1 diabetes.

Engaging in enjoyable movement on a consistent and regular basis is an accomplishment for people with diabetes. The benefits of regular and consistent activity include improved overall insulin use, the prevention on depression, increased bone strength, lower blood pressure, and improved balance.

The next session of the Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Support Group, hosted by Dr. Davidson, will discuss how people with type 1 diabetes can incorporate exercise into their lives. In this group setting, he hopes to help people identify and overcome some of the barriers to exercise.

“The ideas and suggestions that the group offers really gets people thinking about adjusting their pump settings, activities, or meals, so they can enjoy being active,” says Dr. Davidson.

The Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Support Group is an active quarterly meeting where people can gather to share ideas and resources and engage in conversations about living with diabetes.

The next session of the group, Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes, is a free event, on February 1, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Wentworth-Douglass Professional Center, Conference Room 2, 10 Member’s Way in Dover. For more information, please call (603) 740-2887.

For more information about the services for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, please visit Wentworth Health Partners Endocrinology & Diabetes Consultants or call (603) 742-1143.

For more information about the services for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, please visit Wentworth Health Partners Endocrinology & Diabetes Consultants or call (603) 742-1143.