Exercise for Type 1 Diabetes
Choose your EXTOD site. Each one is written for you, with advice and tools you can trust.
I live with Type 1
People living with Type 1 diabetes
Plain-English guides, tools like GlucoseGo, and support from other people who exercise with Type 1.
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I support people with Type 1
Healthcare professionals
Clinical frameworks, referral routes, research and CPD for teams supporting people with Type 1 diabetes.
Enter siteWho we are
We are EXTOD - EXercise for Type 1 Diabetes
We bring together diabetes experts - doctors, nurses, dietitians and researchers - and people who live and exercise with Type 1 diabetes. We have spent years studying how exercise and Type 1 diabetes work together. Everything on this site comes from that research - written in plain language, for real life.
Learn more about EXTOD →Why exercise matters
Moving more is one of the best things you can do
Moving more strengthens your heart and lungs. It often makes insulin work better, lifts your mood, helps you sleep and gives you more energy for everyday life.
You do not need to become an athlete. Walking, gardening, swimming, cycling, dancing and everyday movement all count. Confidence comes before fitness - you simply need to begin.
The honest bit
Exercising with Type 1 diabetes can be tricky
Exercise can send your glucose down. Sometimes it stays steady. Sometimes it sends it up. And sometimes it seems to have a mind of its own. That’s normal - research with the University of Exeter and Breakthrough T1D found that 53% of adults fear a low during exercise.
EXTOD can help you understand what’s happening and work out what works for you.
Glucose can fall
Steady (aerobic) exercise like jogging, cycling or swimming usually lowers glucose - sometimes quickly.
Glucose can stay steady
Light exercise like stretching keeps glucose steady.
Glucose can rise
Short, hard (anaerobic) efforts like sprints or heavy weights can push glucose up instead.
It may not be easy, but the good news is that it is possible. With the right advice and guidance, you can take part in any exercise you choose.