Grant: Doctoral Award - Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships

An artificial pancreas is a system that combines the insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring to quickly respond to the changes in blood sugar levels by changing the rates of insulin being delivery. We hope to be the first research group to develop an artificial pancreas system that can measure blood sugar levels with an insulin pump and deliver the correct amount of insulin in the patient based on the energy used up during exercise. This research has the potential to change diabetes management for active individuals with type 1 diabetes. Our research has shown that depending on the type and length of exercise, different insulin adjustments are needed to maintain target blood sugar levels. For example, high- intensity activities can actually cause increases in blood sugar levels, whereas long duration activities actually can drop blood sugars. The hypothesis of this present work is that a properly developed artificial pancreas and low blood sugar early-warning system will decrease the number of low blood sugar events during and after exercise. We will recruit approximately 50 individuals with type 1 diabetes who are currently using an insulin pump and living in the Toronto area. The study participants will perform multiple exercises, including some group sports. The main objective of this research project is to reduce the fear of low blood sugar and improve the overall quality of life in individuals with type 1 diabetes. This research will help to decrease the barriers to exercise and promote healthy living and diabetes management.