Exercise Safety Checklist for Type 1 Diabetes

Quick-reference safety guide for exercising with type 1 diabetes.

Exercise Safety Checklist for Type 1 Diabetes

Exercise is healthy and important, but for people with T1D it requires planning to avoid hypos and highs.

✅ Pre-Exercise

• Check glucose + trend arrows
• If <5.6 mmol/L (<100 mg/dL) → take 15–20 g fast carbs first
• Have 15–30 g fast carbs on hand (tabs/gel/juice)
• Hydrate; wear medical ID
• Ensure sites/sensors are secure

🏃 During Exercise

• Recheck glucose every 30–60 minutes (or monitor CGM)
• For aerobic >60 min → 10–20 g carbs every 20–30 min
• Watch for symptoms of hypo (shaky, sweaty, dizzy) → treat immediately

🌙 After Exercise

• Risk of delayed hypos up to 24 h (esp. overnight)
• Consider:
  • Temp basal reduction (pump) –10% to –30%
  • Bedtime snack with carb + protein if trending low
  • Set CGM higher overnight alerts

🚨 Do Not Exercise If

• Glucose >13.9 mmol/L (250 mg/dL) with ketones
• Severe illness or unexplained high glucose

⚠️ Educational only. Always follow your personal exercise plan and diabetes team advice.

Tags: type 1 diabetes, exercise, checklist