Empowered: The Science of Exercise with Type 1 Diabetes

Sport can be unpredictable. Factors such as competition stress or changes in environmental conditions can significantly impact glucose management. Even if you are not a competitive athlete, numerous scenarios can dramatically affect your glucose levels or require additional considerations. These may include changes in altitude or a drop in temperature during winter sports, variables related to pla...

“Could athletes with type 1 diabetes actually have an edge?” A bold question — and one we explore in our latest book, Empowered: The Science of Exercise with Type 1 Diabetes From differences in metabolism to data-driven training, managing type 1 diabetes might just unlock unexpected advantages in sport. 💥📈 To structure this exploration, Chapter 8 of Empowered aims to explore four key questions:...

In the previous chapter, we explored the general landscape of low-carbohydrate diets and their potential benefits for people living with type 1 diabetes. Now, we will delve deeper into the specific applications of low-carbohydrate diets in the context of exercise performance and adaptation. This is an incredibly captivating topic (in our opinion!), as striking the right balance could enhance train...

This chapter examines the known pros and cons of low-carbohydrate diets for people with type 1 diabetes. We aim to provide a neutral overview of the literature and empower you, whether you’re living with diabetes or are a healthcare provider, to make better-informed, evidence-based decisions about the suitability of low-carbohydrate diets while being mindful of the potential risks and limitations....

For endurance sports athletes with type 1 diabetes, managing blood glucose levels is an extra challenge compared to those without the condition. To optimise performance and recovery during key training sessions and competitions, they must contend with many factors, including hydration, electrolyte imbalances, glycogen depletion, gastrointestinal discomfort, disturbances in acid-base balance, and g...

Many people with type 1 diabetes wish to be physically active and exercise regularly. However, exercising adds complexities to the already challenging task of daily glucose management. Chief among these considerations are insulin dose adjustments and the effects of meals surrounding exercise. Monitoring blood glucose levels during these times and establishing ideal glucose targets for safe and eff...

Exercise is arguably one of the most challenging aspects of managing type 1 diabetes. Depending on various factors, it can substantially increase the risk of both hyper- and hypoglycaemia, which can be discouraging, to say the least. Understanding the body’s hormonal responses to different forms of exercise is essential for people living with type 1 diabetes as it enables the individual to better...

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Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune condition that targets and destroys β-cells in the pancreas. Under normal circumstances, β-cells produce insulin, an essential hormone for several metabolic processes, with one of the main ones being the regulation of blood glucose levels. Without insulin, the body cannot effectively regulate glucose levels, leading to hyperglycaemia (high blood glucos...