Level the Playing Field for People with T1D

Let’s Level the Playing Field for People with Type 1 Diabetes

No one should be excluded from sport because of a medical condition — yet thousands of people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) face unnecessary barriers every day.

Fear of low blood sugar. Stigma. A lack of trained support. These preventable issues mean people with T1D are far less active than their peers — missing out on the health, confidence, and community that sport can bring.

Research from the University of Exeter, in partnership with Breakthrough T1D and EXTOD, reveals:

• 90% want to be active, but feel unsupported or excluded.
• 53% of adults fear low blood sugar during exercise.
• Fewer than 1 in 3 coaches have training on T1D.
• Only 4 of 185 UK sports governing bodies have a diabetes policy.

Improving this situation is both achievable and urgently needed. One key step is to work with sporting bodies to develop dedicated policies, create educational resources, and deliver targeted training for clubs, coaches, and PE teachers. EXTOD have started this work

Join us in breaking down barriers.

If you are interested in partnering with us or supporting this work, please contact: R.C.Andrews@exeter.ac.uk