Exercise & T1D: Why Every Body is Different (and That’s Okay)

My sister Ava, for example, often goes high when she exercises. Her body responds to adrenaline and stress hormones, causing her blood sugar to rise — sometimes so high that she even needs to take insulin mid-practice. But then, a few hours later — especially after late practices — her blood sugar can crash, and we’re up at night monitoring and treating lows. It’s a roller coaster.

And guess what? That’s normal.

Why does everyone respond differently to exercise with T1D?

• Hormones: Exercise releases adrenaline and cortisol, which can raise blood sugar in some people before or during activity.
• Type of exercise: Anaerobic activities (like sprinting or weightlifting) often push glucose higher, while long, steady cardio may cause dips.
• Timing: If practice is in the evening, there’s a higher chance of overnight lows due to delayed muscle absorption of glucose.
• Individual metabolism: No two bodies are the same — and even the same person may respond differently day to day.

Tips for Active Kids & Teens Managing T1D

• Track patterns: Keep a log of blood sugars before, during, and after workouts to learn how your body responds.
• Don’t fear corrections: If blood sugar spikes during exercise, it’s okay to correct with small insulin doses (with guidance from your care team).
• Watch for late lows: After intense practices, especially in the evening, keep snacks and glucose tabs on hand and set nighttime alarms.
• Communicate: Make sure coaches and teammates are aware of T1D and have a backup plan in case of lows.
• Stay flexible: Some days will be smooth; others will feel unpredictable — and that’s okay.

At the end of the day, the key is patience and understanding that managing diabetes and exercise is never one-size-fits-all. If you or someone you love is on this roller coaster too, you are not alone.