department of athletics policies & procedures - UNC Wilmington ...

Management of Type I Diabetes
-the primary goal of diabetes management is to maintain blood glucose levels
around 80-120mg/dL
Insulin
Dietary modifications
Exercise
Exercise in the Diabetic
Increases glucose usage and therefore decreased glucose excess
Facilitates fat loss which can lead to decreased insulin resistance
Enhances psychological well-being
Exercise in the Type I Diabetic
If the diabetic athlete initiates exercise with elevated insulin levels (i.e., from
medication), there exists a greater potential for hypoglycemia since both the
exercise will stimulate glucose use and the high insulin levels will stimulate
glucose use/uptake. Conversely, exercise may lead to an additional rise in blood
glucose if it is already elevated prior to activity. This elevation prior to activity
could be indicative of insufficient insulin potentially caused by illness or a missed
dose of medication.
Recommendations for Diabetic Athletes
1. wear diabetic ID
2. avoid exercising at peak of insulin action
3. adjust carbohydrate or insulin dosage prior to exercise to match expected
glucose expenditure
4. assess blood sugar before, during, and after exercise
5. drink adequate fluids, especially during hot/humid climate
6. have access to fast acting carbohydrate during exercise in case sugar level
begins to drop
7. have blood glucose testing equipment available
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