Hit the Off Switch When Exercising

Wearing an insulin pump during exerciseis not necessary, according to astudy reported in Pediatrics (September2005). Researchers found that patientsaged 10 to 19 years with type 1 diabetesusing the pump may face an increasedrisk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)after exercising.

For the study, 10 patients exercised withthe insulin pump on and off. They exercisedfor 40 to 45 minutes on a bicycle for2 hours after a standard breakfast and aninsulin bolus. The group consumed 20 g ofcarbohydrates before and after exercising.Overall, the researchers found that thistype of exercise "is equally performed, perceived,and safe [in terms of acute hypoglycemia]" with the pump on or off. Theresults showed, however, that late (afterexercise) hypoglycemia was more frequent,compared with acute (during exercise)hypoglycemia. There was a tendencytoward greater risk of late hypoglycemiawith the pump on during exercise.