What should a child with type 1 diabetes be taught regarding increased physical activity?

Children with type 1 diabetes need to be aware of how physical activity affects their blood glucose levels. Increased physical activity can lead to lower blood sugar, especially if adequate preparation doesn't occur.

Teaching a child to eat more food when planning to exercise is essential for several reasons. First, consuming additional carbohydrates provides the necessary energy for physical activity, helping to prevent hypoglycemia, which is a condition characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels. This is particularly relevant for children with type 1 diabetes since they do not produce insulin and must adjust their insulin doses and carbohydrate intake to manage their blood sugar effectively.

This guidance ensures that they have enough fuel for their activity and mitigates the risk of experiencing low blood sugar during or after exercise. In addition to adjusting food intake, it's also important to monitor blood glucose levels before, during, and after exercise to ensure they remain within a safe range.