Children with type 1 diabetes should be able to take part in all the activities they enjoy, including school, sports, camps, and school excursions. While physical activity is important for health and wellbeing, planning and support may be needed.
Helping your child stay safe at school
Every child experiences a hypo differently. Some children become tired, irritable or find it difficult to concentrate, while others may feel shaky, hungry or complain of a headache. As your child grows, they will learn to recognise their own symptoms, but they may still need support from adults around them.
It is important that school staff know:
- the signs and symptoms of a hypo
- where hypo treatment is kept
- how to access your child’s Diabetes Medical Management Plan
- who to contact if they have concerns.
Your child should always have fast-acting carbohydrates available, such as glucose tablets, glucose gel, or juice. Having supplies in several locations, such as the classroom, sick bay and sports bag, can provide extra reassurance.
Sport, exercise and glucose levels
Exercise is an important part of growing up and should be encouraged. However, activity can affect glucose levels during exercise, immediately afterwards, or even several hours later.
CGM/insulin pumps can help families monitor glucose levels closely and make informed decisions before, during and after activity.
Every child responds differently to exercise. Factors that may influence glucose levels include:
- the type of activity
- how long the activity lasts.
- How intense the exercise is.
- current glucose levels and trend arrows
- insulin taken recently (insulin on board)
- diabetes technology being used.
Your diabetes treating team can help work out strategies that best suit your child.
Do not forget about delayed hypos
One of the less obvious effects of exercise is that it can increase insulin sensitivity for many hours afterwards. Some children experience lower glucose levels overnight after a particularly active day.
For families using CGM, alerts can be particularly helpful after sport, camps, or sports carnivals. If your child regularly experiences overnight lows after exercise, speak with your diabetes treating team about strategies that may help reduce the risk.