Effectiveness of a hybrid closed-loop system for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes during physical exercise: A cross-sectional study in real life

Objective

The aim of the study was to describe how physical exercise affects metabolic control, insulin requirements and carbohydrate intake in children who use hybrid closed-loop systems.

Methods

Cross-sectional study design. The sample included 21 children and adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. During the study, participants were monitored for a period of 7 days to gather comprehensive data on these factors.

Results

Nine participants (42.9%) had switched to exercise mode to raise the target glucose temporarily to 150 mg/dL. The HbA1c values ranged from 5.5% to 7.9% (median, 6.5%; IQR, 0.75). The percentage of time within the target range of 70−180 mg/dL was similar; however, there was an increased duration of hyperglycaemia and more autocorrections on exercise days. The time spent in severe hyperglycaemia (>250 mg/dL) increased by 2.7% in exercise compared to non-exercise days (P = .02). It is worth noting that hypoglycaemic episodes did not increase during the exercise days compared with non-exercise days.

Conclusion

The hybrid closed-loop system was effective and safe in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes during the performance of competitive sports in real life.