Background The acute impact of different types of physical activity on glycemic control in type 1 diabetes has not been well quantified. Objectives Our objective was to estimate the rate of change (RoC) in glucose concentration induced acutely during the performance of structured exercise and at recovery in subjects with type 1 diabetes. .70 mmol/L h" 1 (p = 0.46, 95 % CI -1.14 to +2.54) for CONT vs. REST; RoC E -5.25 mmol/ L-h" 1 (p < 0.00001, 95 % CI -7.02 to -3.48) and RoC R +0.72 mmol/L h" 1 (p = 0.71, 95 % CI -3.10 to +4.54) for IHE vs. REST; RoC E -2.61 mmol/L h _1 (p = 0.30, 95 % CI -7.55 to +2.34) and RoC R -0.02 mmol/L h _1 (p = 1.00,95 % CI -7.58 to +7.53) for RESIST vs. REST. Conclusions Novel RoC magnitudes ROCE, ROC R reflected rapid decays of glycemia during CONT exercise and gradual recoveries immediately afterwards. RESIST showed more constrained decays, whereas discrepancies were found for IHE.Novel glycemia rate-of-change magnitude data expressed in measurable units may provide a means of translating the effects of exercise on glucose dynamics into information that benefits patient self-management.Rapid decays of glycemia were found during continuous moderate exercise, followed by mild increases immediately afterwards.Resistance exercise was associated with more constrained decreases, whereas discrepancies were found for intermittent high-intensity exercise.