Glycemic Responses to Graded Exercise Testing in Adolescents Using Automated Insulin Delivery Systems

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic disorders
• Pediatric diabetes management

Background:

• Type 1 diabetes (T1D) management requires careful monitoring of blood glucose levels, especially during physical activity.
• Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems offer advanced glycemic control for individuals with T1D.
• Understanding exercise responses in adolescents using AID is crucial for safe and effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the glycemic responses of adolescents with T1D using AID systems during a graded exercise test (GXT).
• To assess the safety and stability of glucose levels during and after GXT in this population.

Main Methods:

• 24 adolescents with T1D using AID systems participated in a bicycle ergometer GXT until exhaustion.
• Plasma glucose and lactate levels were measured during the test.
• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data were collected post-exercise for 24-hour monitoring.

Main Results:

• Plasma glucose levels remained stable throughout the GXT, with no significant overall change (-0.26 mmol/L).
• No hypoglycemic events occurred during the GXT.
• Sensor glucose levels stayed within target ranges post-exercise, with only minor, infrequent episodes of mild hypoglycemia.

Conclusions:

• Graded exercise tests are glycemically safe for adolescents with T1D managed by AID systems.
• AID systems effectively maintain glycemic control during and after strenuous physical activity in this cohort.
• This finding supports the integration of regular exercise into the lifestyle of adolescents with T1D using AID.