Type 1 Diabetes and Physical Activity: What School Staff Should Know

Overview

Students with type 1 diabetes should be able to stay active every day and participate in gym and sports—with planning and monitoring.

Key wellness / safety strategies for school staff

Ensure full participation (with extra planning)

• Support students to join gym class, team sports, and individual sports as appropriate.

Plan for blood sugar management before, during, and after activity

• Physical activity usually lowers blood sugar.
• Some activities (e.g., sprinting) can temporarily raise blood sugar.
• Use the student’s care plan to guide specifics, including:
  • Food
  • Insulin
  • When to check blood sugar

Have necessary supplies accessible

• Keep the student’s glucose meter and emergency kit nearby at all times.

Allow diabetes tech or insulin adjustments (as directed)

• Some students may disconnect their pump temporarily or lower background insulin for a short time.
• Any changes must follow the student’s individual care plan.

Provide appropriate snack support

• Some students may need an extra snack before activity, especially when blood sugar is:
  • In the target range, or
  • Starting to go low
• Snack needs vary by student and activity type.

Monitor for symptoms of low blood sugar

• Watch during activity and afterward, since lows can happen or worsen post-activity.

Account for changes in routine

• If activity decreases (e.g., rainy days indoors), blood sugars may run higher than usual.

Know when to delay or limit activity (only two reasons)

1. Low blood sugar: treat it first before starting activity.
2. Very high blood sugar with ketones, confirmed by urine or blood test (can indicate illness).

The care plan should specify what to do in these situations.

Presenters / sources

• None stated in the provided subtitles.