A new study highlights that the best type of exercise for managing type-1 diabetes varies by gender, with men benefiting from tailored interval exercises based on their initial blood sugar levels, and women responding well to both interval and continuous exercises. This research supports personalized exercise guidelines to prevent hypoglycemia.
A recent study has identified the most effective forms of exercise for individuals with type-1 diabetes.
The research was led by the Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco in partnership with Staffordshire University to investigate training optimization for diabetic patients.
“This study is important because diabetic patients often lack motivation to exercise as a means of managing their condition,” explained Dr Pooya Soltani from Staffordshire University.
“One reason for this is that physical activity can lead to blood sugar drops, causing discomfort and demotivation. We investigated whether the type of physical activity could mitigate these blood sugar drops.”
Study Methodology
19 people with type-1 diabetes participated in two randomized trials to measure glycemic and cardiovascular responses after interval exercise and continuous exercise.
All participants took part in 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise on a treadmill. The interval aerobic session involved alternating 1-minute intervals at 40% and 60% of estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). The continuous exercise was performed at 50% of VO2max.
Heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels were measured before, immediately after, and 20 minutes after the sessions. Rates of perceived exertion and enjoyment levels were also assessed.
Similar cardiovascular, rates of perceived exertion, and enjoyment levels were found across genders and sessions. However, the research identified differences in blood glucose levels between male and female participants, with greater reductions in men.
Gender-Specific Findings
Men showed a higher rate of blood glucose reductions immediately after and 20 minutes after continuous aerobic exercise, as well as immediately after interval exercise. In contrast, women showed reduced blood glucose values only after continuous exercise.
The findings show that gender-specific differences are important when prescribing exercise for patients with type-1 diabetes, to avoid higher glucose decreases which can cause hypoglycemia episodes.
Dr Jorge Luiz de Brito-Gomes from Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco said: “Our study showed that for male patients, interval exercise, such as short bursts of walking, is preferable when starting with low blood sugar levels. Conversely, continuous exercise, like running, is more suitable for those with higher initial blood sugar levels. These approaches can help prevent sudden blood sugar drops.
“For female patients, both interval and continuous aerobic exercise appear to be effective starting points. We hope these findings show that gender-specific recommendations should be considered for aerobic exercise prescription, especially for men with irregular physical activity levels.”
Reference: “Gender-Related Glycemic and Cardiovascular Responses After Continuous and Interval Aerobic Sessions in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover Study” by Tamy Beatriz Freire de Sá Martins, Orlando Vieira Gomes, Pooya Soltani, Thalles Henrique Rodrigues Oliveira and Jorge Luiz de Brito-Gomes, 31 July 2024, The American Journal of Cardiology.
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.07.028
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13 Comments
Note that this study is about type-1 diabetes, which is different than type-2 diabetes. Most people with diabetes have type-2, which is really an over-eating disorder. Type-1 is usually genetic or an auto-immune condition.
Come what an idiot to say type 2 diabetes is an over eating disorder….get your head out the sand and come reality of today!
My whole family is type 2 no one is over weight and some are marathon runners.
Get life !!
You have no brain if You think type 2 only comes from over eating lol
p was
Your article stares opposite info in two paragraphs. Compare the first, bolded paragraph with the later summary. The results for men and women
First mention:
A new study highlights that the best type of exercise for managing type-1 diabetes varies by gender, with men benefiting from tailored interval exercises based on their initial blood sugar levels, and women responding well to both interval and continuous exercises.
Later:
Men showed a higher rate of blood glucose reductions immediately after and 20 minutes after continuous aerobic exercise, as well as immediately after interval exercise. In contrast, women showed reduced blood glucose values only after continuous exercise.
> Most people with diabetes have type-2, which is really an over-eating disorder
I hope you’re not in the medical profession but if you are, turn in your license immediately. You are an idiot.
True and continue with the research so that other medicinal drugs for dysfunctional organs such as male organs are found.
Riding a bike for a half hour a day does that help reduce blood sugar
Diabetes 2 i refer to
Diagnosed 2016.
Its not about over eating its all what you eat.
Carbs turn to sugar whether more o less food thats just my opinion
I cut out bread pasta rice potatoes intermittant fast 3 times week.. jump on tread 10 mins 5.7klm after breakfast lunch dinner walk min 7klm day. NO MEDICATIONS
Result
Fasting bloods 94mg.dl
2h after eat 109 mg.dl
Random any time 113mg.dl
Consistently x 8 years
That says it all really
non diabetic range. Numbers dont lie
Eating low carb Works for me dont yet may for others?
Res
Does using punctuation so we can understand you work for you?
Ha Some ignorant people should really do the research!! Diabetes IS NOT CAUSED BY overeating or being over weight! It can be a contributing factor however Diabetes is cause by a person’s pancreas either not producing enough insulin (type 2) OR not producing any insulin(type 1) actually let me research more I’m just a diabetic for the last 20 years, not over weight, no family history, doesn’t matter what or if I eat, I’ve been dealing with sugars 10× higher then normal for years with nothing seeming to help. So please Mr.know it all tell me why
I have been a type 1 for 40 years. I have had family doctors that said type 1 is too complicated for them and I should rely on my specalist. As of this point, I have lived through childhood, pre-teenage, teen years, young adulthood and now into my late 40’s. During this time there have been many changes in my life that have impacted my ability to exercise as I should. I have gained weight, lost weight and gained it again. What I can tell you for sure is some people will always judge you and others will think they have the silver bullet to cure you if you would just listen to them. If any of these people were correct diabetes would be cured.. Exercise does not affect everyone the same way and each person’s reaction to it changes based on stress levels, sickness, sleep, the length of time you have been doing exercise routines, and if you enjoy the exercises, your diet and timing of meals. There is a very fine tightrope to walk while juggling everything else. Small steps on multiple fronts are required to have meaningful progress. Setbacks will happen but they are not failures if you don’t give up! No one fails at everything so do what you can until you can do more. Ask for help when you need it and don’t think in absolute terms. Love, a fellow diabetes warrior!
Thank you for saying don’t give up!!’