Aim: To determine the characteristics of people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) who practice sports, the support they receive, and the way in which they manage their disease during sports.
Methods: An observational cross-sectional study designed as a web-based survey released through social media was carried out, directed to physically active people with T1D.
Results: A total of 342 subjects completed the survey (16 children; 67.5% males). The duration of living with T1D was 18.6 ± 11.4 years. The mean glycosylated hemoglobin concentration (HbA1c) was 6.7 ± 0.8%, and the mean time in range (TIR) was 72.9 ± 15.8%. Only 27.2% started sports activity following the diagnosis of T1D. The most frequently used basal insulin was insulin degludec (38.6%). The usual treatment modification before doing sports consisted of bolus reduction (42.5%) or only the adjustment of nutritional supplements (19.7%). In cases of long-acting insulin users, the basal dose usually remained unchanged during sports. One-quarter of the participants were insulin pump users, and of these, 12.5% always disconnected the pump during physical activities. Severe hypoglycemia on the day of physical activity was experienced by 5% of the participants in the last 6 months. One-third reported a lack of support from their physician, and 61% had learned to manage glycemic control during sports by themselves.
Conclusions: This study highlights the adjustments made by people living with T1D during sports practice, and the lack of support received from healthcare professionals.
Keywords: Continuous glucose monitoring; Exercise; Insulin; Physical activity; Sport; Time in range; Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
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