Maximal Oxygen Uptake, VO₂ Max, Testing Effect on Blood Glucose Level in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Assessing maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) is generally considered safe when performed properly for most adolescents; however, for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), monitoring glucose levels before and after exercise is critical to maintaining euglycemic ranges. Limited guidance exists for glucose level recommendations for the pediatric population; therefore, the purpose of this retrospective clinical chart review study was to determine the effects of VO2 max testing on blood glucose levels for adolescents with T1DM. A total of 22 adolescents (mean age = 15.6 ± 1.8 years; male = 13, 59.1%) with a diagnosis of T1DM participated in a Bruce protocol for VO2 max from January 2019 through February 2020. A statistically significant reduction in glucose levels between pretest (<30 min, mean = 191.1 mg/dL ± 61.2) and post-test VO2 max (<5 min, mean = 166.7 mg/dL ± 57.9); t(21) = 2.3, p < 0.05) was detected. The results from this current study can help guide health and fitness professionals in formulating glycemic management strategies in preparatory activities prior to exercise testing and during exercise testing.