While exercise is an important part of staying healthy, for young people with type 1 diabetes there’s more to think about than just finding matching socks.

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in the afternoon could increase the risk of overnight and next-day hypoglycaemia in type 1 teenagers, new research has found.

Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines recommend adolescents do 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. Researchers at the University of Iowa in the US assessed the links between exercise and hypoglycaemia in 19 participants aged 14 to 20 years with type 1 diabetes.

They found hypoglycaemia was 31 per cent more likely in young people who did an extra 30 minutes of physical activity in the afternoon, above the recommended 60 minutes.

“While promoting physical activity as a healthy behaviour, it is important to educate adolescents with type 1 diabetes on prevention of hypoglycaemia following physical activity,” authors of the study wrote.

Diabetes Queensland credentialed diabetes educator Louise Natusch said people with type 1 diabetes should not be put off being active, and instead seek advice from a health professional first.

“If you are wanting to be active or increase activity or are having problems with hypos you should see a diabetes educator for help,” Louise said.

You can also call Diabetes Queensland’s Helpline and speak to one of our health team on 1800 637 700.

Read the article online at: http://www.diabetesqld.org.au/media-centre/2014/may/hypos-and-exercise.aspx