Sports with Type 1 Diabetes

I’ve always been the mom to carry first aid kits and supplies galore.
This season there will be a few new supplies in the bag for us.

Kids with Type 1 diabetes can play sports just like other kids, but they have to pay extra attention to their bodies while they play. My T1D Guy has some extra equipment on him to help with monitoring his levels while he plays.

Physical activity affects blood sugar levels. During sports, blood sugar can drop too low or rise too high. My T1D Guy may need to take breaks to check blood sugar, eat a snack, or give himself an insulin dose. These breaks are about staying healthy and safe—not about effort or ability. Planning is very important. Before practice or games, students may need to adjust food or insulin so their body has enough energy to play safely.

Changes don’t stop when the game ends. Blood sugar can change hours after exercise, even later that day or overnight, which means continued monitoring is needed. The extra equipment he has on his body helps with this.