INSULIN THERAPY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN TYPE 1 DIABETES: A CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE

Physical activity plays a key role in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, on par with insulin therapy, regular blood glucose monitoring, and lifelong adherence to an appropriate diet. It has been proven that physical activity immediately lowers blood glucose levels and continues to do so for an extended period after exercise. This effect is due to the contraction of skeletal muscles, which absorb glucose without the need for insulin. Moreover, regular physical activity increases the sensitivity of insulin receptors in people with type 1 diabetes. This means that less insulin is required to transport glucose into the cells. Equally important is the fact that physical activity helps manage stress, which is often a part of living with type 1 diabetes. However, statistics show that the number of people with type 1 diabetes who engage in regular physical activity remains quite low. The issue is not a lack of awareness, but rather the challenges in managing and preventing critical conditions, even with modern glucose monitoring and insulin delivery devices.