Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
Insulin pump therapy is associated with less post-exercise hyperglycemia than multiple daily injections: an
Jane E Yardley1, Katherine E Iscoe, Ronald J Sigal
1Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Aerobic exercise typically decreases blood glucose levels in individuals with type 1 diabetes. It is currently unknown if glucose responses to exercise and recovery differ between patients on multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).
Subjects And Methods:
Nineteen (16 male, three female) physically active individuals with type 1 diabetes took part in this observational study. Interstitial glucose levels (blinded) were compared during 45 min of standardized aerobic exercise (cycling or running at 60% peak aerobic capacity) and during 6 h of postexercise recovery between individuals using MDI (n=9) and CSII (n=10) therapy.
Results:
Both MDI and CSII groups had similar reductions in glucose levels during exercise, but responses in early and late recovery differed (group × time interaction, P<0.01). Participants using MDI had greater increases in glucose throughout recovery compared with individuals with CSII. Two-thirds of the MDI patients experienced late-onset post-exercise hyperglycemia (blood glucose >12 mmol/L) compared with only 1/10(th) of the CSII patients (P<0.01).
Conclusions:
Among individuals performing regular moderate-to-heavy intensity aerobic exercise, use of CSII helped to limit post-exercise hyperglycemia compared with MDI therapy and is not associated with increased risk for post-exercise late-onset hypoglycemia.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors

