Novel Protocol for the Use of Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop System in Adolescents Engaged in Contact Sports

Managing exercise remains challenging for adolescent athletes with type 1 diabetes (T1D), especially in contact sports. Even the use of hybrid closed loops can cause problems due to the need to disconnect the pump during some training or competitions. This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel protocol for the use of an advanced hybrid closed-loop system in adolescent football players with T1D during a sports camp.

Eleven boys aged 14.9 years (25-75th percentile: 14-15.5), with a diabetes duration of 5.7 years (5.2-7) and regular training schedules in junior football leagues, participated in the study. They started AHCL (MiniMed780G, Medtronic) therapy a month before a week-long sports camp and were observed during the sports camp and the preceding week. Daily camp activities included two 1.5-h training sessions. Protocol included a 90-min temporary target of 150 mg/dL before and insulin pump disconnection during training. Physical activity was tracked using wGT3X-BT Actigraph monitors.

The camp provided conditions of demanding physical activity (6.6 [6-6.9] h/day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity). After starting AHCL, the average participant time spent in the target glucose range (70-180 mg/dL) was 79.34 ± 8.46%, and no significant change was observed during the camp (mean difference +0.79 ± 8.24%, p = 0.7581). Median glucose levels dropped by 10.91 ± 12.08 mg/dL (p = 0.0134), and time in the tight target range increased by 11.41 ± 11.60% (p = 0.0008) without increasing the time below range (<70 mg/dL) or glycemic variability. During the camp, daily insulin dose and basal/bolus ratio remained comparable with baseline, but the relative amount of automated bolus insulin decreased by 14.24 ± 4.65% (p < 0.0001).

The predefined regimen, including a temporary target before and disconnection of AHCL during football training, was safe and may provide satisfactory glucose control in active adolescents with T1D. This protocol could be adapted for use in other intensive contact sports.