Impact of an Insulin Bolus Calculator on Glycemic Control in Relation to Exercise-A Crossover Randomized Controlled...

Exercise benefits individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) but is often hindered by the risk of hypoglycemia. While guidelines provide strategies to mitigate this risk, adherence to recommendations on exercise remains low. Bolus calculators, such as Hedia Diabetes Assistant (HDA), offer a potential way to address this challenge by integrating exercise-related insulin adjustments into daily routines. This trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of HDA in improving glycemic control during exercise.

This randomized, controlled crossover pilot study included 20 adults diagnosed with T1D for >1 year using multiple daily insulin injections and HbA1c between 42 and 72 mmol/mol (6.0-8.6%). Participants were randomized to first use either HDA (arm A) or their habitual diabetes management (arm B) before and after performing a 45-min moderate-intensity session on an exercise bike and subsequently crossover. The primary outcome was change in time in range (TIR) over the two 24 h periods.

The mean differences (95% confidence interval [CI]) in TIR and time above range (>10.0 mmol/L) were -2.3% (-13.1%, 8.5%) and 3.93% (-5.7%, 13.5%), respectively, and the median difference in time below range (<3.9 mmol/L) was -0.87% (-2.8%, 0.5%). The incidence rate ratio (95% CI) for total hypoglycemic episodes using HDA was -0.56 (-1.41, 0.29). Safety outcomes revealed fewer adverse events when using HDA.

The HDA insulin bolus calculator with an integrated exercise feature appears safe to use when compared with habitual insulin management in people with T1D during moderate-intensity exercise.