Resources to Guide Exercise Specialists Managing Adults with Diabetes

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Endocrinology
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• Optimizing health through exercise is crucial, but challenging for those with diabetes.
• Exercise specialists need clear guidance for safely managing exercise in people with diabetes.
• Current guidelines exist but lack easily accessible resources for practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop practical resources for exercise specialists.
• To guide the assessment of exercise safety in adults with diabetes.
• To provide clear indications for starting and ceasing exercise based on glucose levels.

Main Methods:

• Expert group convened to review existing literature.
• Development of guidelines based on glucose levels and other factors.
• Consideration of diabetes type, glucose levels, medications, food intake, and wellness.

Main Results:

• Identified contraindications for exercise: glucose < 4.0 mmol/L, glucose > 15.0 mmol/L with symptoms or ketosis, recent severe hypoglycemia, or feeling unwell.
• Provided recommendations stratified by pre-exercise glucose levels.
• Included guidance on carbohydrate intake, glucose monitoring, and medication adjustment.

Conclusions:

• Established clear contraindications for exercise in people with diabetes.
• Offers stratified recommendations to optimize safety during exercise.
• Aims to empower exercise specialists with evidence-based decision-making tools.