Diabetes affects how the body uses glucose, the main type of sugar in the blood. Glucose comes from the foods we eat and gives energy to the cells. A hormone called insulin helps glucose get into the cells. Insulin is made in the pancreas.
When a person has diabetes, either their pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or their body can't respond normally to the insulin that is made (type 2 diabetes). In both types of diabetes, when glucose can’t get into the cells, the glucose level in the blood rises. Treatment for diabetes lowers the blood glucose level into a healthy range.
Exercise makes insulin work better in the body, which helps people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels in a healthier range. But when kids with diabetes exercise, they can experience low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, or high blood sugar, called hyperglycemia.
Hypoglycemia(low blood sugar levels) can happen during or after exercise if the body uses up much of its stored glucose, especially if insulin levels in the body are still high after an insulin injection.
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) can happen during sports and exercise because the muscles need more energy and the body responds by releasing extra glucose into the bloodstream. If the body doesn't have enough insulin to use the glucose, then the sugar stays in the blood.
Students with diabetes who play sports may:
Students with diabetes can play sports and exercise at the same level as anyone else. Just like most kids and teens, they're healthier if they get plenty of exercise, which can help them manage the disease.
Coaches should:
Reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD
Date Reviewed: Oct 2, 2023
By using this site, you consent to our use of cookies. To learn more, read our privacy policy.