Background
The influence of different exercise modalities, intensities, and durations on glucose control has yet to be fully explored in people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Aims
The aim was to review existing literature to establish evidence of outcomes of acute exercise on glucose control T1D.
Research Design and Methods
We searched the online electronic databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL (excluding Medline), EMBASE (excluding MEDLINE), ClinicalTrials.gov (using a targeted search) between March 2003 and March 2018. Our search included only randomized control trials containing the searched terms: ((Type 1 diabetes mellitus OR insulin‐dependent diabetes) AND (Exercise OR physical activity) AND (glucose metabolism OR skeletal muscle)).
Results
Eleven studies were identified for inclusion. Seven studies examined aerobic exercise interventions; three examined resistance exercise; and one study examined combined aerobic/resistance exercise. Eleven studies presented data on the effects of acute blood glucose alterations.
Conclusions
This review found that combined exercise intervention, especially performing resistance before aerobic exercise, resulted in the acute blood glucose stability. Despite this, more research is required to determine optimal modality, intensity, and duration.