If extra activity is planned it is important that your child eats additional carbohydrate food prior to the exercise. Exercise increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin (increasing the risk of hypos) and this effect may continue for up to 12 – 16 hours following the activity.
There is a lot of variation between individuals regarding these effects, so it is important to monitor your child’s BGLs closely before, during and after exercise.
If regular exercise is expected, such as sports day at school or swimming on the weekend, you may wish to discuss with your child’s doctor the need to reduce the insulin dosage on these days.
Suggestions for adjusting carbohydrate intake, if insulin dosage remains the same:
For every half hour of sport your child does, they should eat one extra carbohydrate exchange / serve.
