The design and evaluation of a self-management algorithm for people with type 1 diabetes performing moderate intensity exercise

Limited evidence is available to advise people with type 1 diabetes about self-management strategies for maintaining acceptable glycaemic control when exercising. A systematic review was conducted to design a self-management algorithm for moderate intensity exercise. The effectiveness was investigated regarding the attainment of acceptable glucose concentrations during and after 40 minutes of exercise at 70% VO2 max in the real-life environment. Nine individuals with type 1 diabetes (five male, four female) completed the study over a two-week period. All used a basal bolus analogue insulin regimen and exercised regularly. Participants undertook 40 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on days 1 and 8 in real-life environments, and followed the self-management algorithm. Data were collected for glucose concentrations at 10 time-points, i.e. before, during and after exercise.