Exercise and Sports

Young people with diabetes should be expected to participate in physical education, recess and organized school athletics like any other student. The main considerations are to prevent a low blood sugar level or early detection and treatment if a low blood sugar level occurs.

General tips

  1. Exercise should be encouraged, preferably at a regular or consistent time (food and insulin dose must be balanced with exercise).
  2. Student should eat a snack if exercise is just before lunch or late afternoon.
  3. Student should not exercise if ketones are present [See High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)].
  4. Teachers and coaches should be familiar with symptoms and treatment of low blood sugar.
  5. Fast-acting carbohydrates (i.e., juice or glucose tablets) should be readily available at all times if low blood sugar symptoms occur. School personnel must know where these items are kept. These should be followed by a small snack if exercise will continue.

Specific Exercise and Sport Guidelines:

  1. What physical education, sports or activities does student participate in?
  2. Does she have any activity restrictions?
  3. If activities extend into the dinner hour, does student need an insulin injection or need to eat?
  4. What blood sugar levels (high and low) require abstention from activity?