Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Background: Exercise increases the chance of a longer and healthier life for people with type 1 diabetes, but can also cause low blood glucose. It is unknown which kind of exercise provides the greatest benefit and smallest risk of low blood glucose. Short bursts of vigorous exercise may protect against low blood glucose during and shortly after activity. How vigorous interval training affects long-term blood glucose control is also unknown. Objective: This research examines the immediate and long-term effects of short, vigorous exercise bouts on blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes. Methodology: We will assign 175 volunteers with type 1 diabetes to one of three 16-week treatments: (1) moderate intensity exercise (150-200 minutes/week), (2) moderate intensity + vigorous intensity exercise (150-200 minutes/week of moderate intensity exercise with repeated bouts of high intensity exercise lasting 30-60 seconds with 2-4 minutes of moderate-intensity activity in between) and (3) control (standard diabetes education). We will measure blood glucose control at baseline and weeks 8, 16, and 52 after receiving the intervention. We will also measure how often blood glucose goes low overnight and how long it stays low by using continuous glucose monitoring during and after exercise. Relevance: Fear of low blood glucose prevents many individuals with type 1 diabetes from exercising. This research will provide information so that people with type 1 diabetes can exercise more safely and effectively.