Running with Type 1 Diabetes: A Case Report on the Benefit of Sensor Technology

Abstract

Technological advances in the management and treatment of type 1 diabetes have afforded some patients the resources to better manage their condition and live full, healthy lives. One of these technologies is continuous glucose monitoring which allows patients and medical practitioners alike to receive real-time blood glucose readings, evaluate trends, and tailor insulin dosing to avoid both hyper- and hypoglycemic events. The benefit of such technology during exercise, particularly running or cycling, is invaluable. In this case report, we describe the effect of using a continuous glucose monitoring technology in a 38-year-old, brittle, type 1 diabetic female runner over two years. The combined effect of continuous glucose monitoring and exercise, primarily running, resulted in an almost two-fold reduction in HbA1C, a 21% reduction in total daily insulin usage from diagnosis approximately 20 years ago. The patient recorded an over 100% improvement in running capacity.