Everyday

Exercise and sport

Exercise usually lowers blood sugar. Always measure before training and keep fast-acting carbs with you.

Before exercise

Target before training is around 5–10 mmol/l
Under 4 mmol/l → always have a snack before setting off, about 20 g of carbs
Over 14 mmol/l without a clear reason → measure ketones
Over 15 mmol/l → skip intense exercise and correct with extra insulin per the care plan
Over 20 mmol/l → postpone exercise, drink water, measure ketones and correct with rapid-acting insulin

Source: Diabetesliitto

After exercise

The risk of a nighttime low rises

Aerobic exercise increases insulin sensitivity all the way into the next night. Nighttime hypoglycaemia is especially common after afternoon and evening training, so it is worth measuring before bed.

Source: Diabetesliitto

The same exercise is recommended for the child as for other children, following the general activity guidelines. In small children, blood sugar changes can be surprising and variable.

Source: Diabetesliitto

Insulin adjustments around exercise

Exact adjustment percentages for children are not in the general guidance

Diabetesliitto and Terveyskylä give percentage reductions for insulin (e.g. 20–50 % for long-acting) for adults. A child's adjustments are always individual, so agree on them with your clinic.

Sources: diabetes.fi (Diabetesliitto, the Finnish Diabetes Association) and terveyskyla.fi (Diabetestalo / Lastentalo). This app does not replace the individual instructions you receive from your clinic. Insulin doses, correction factors and sick-day rules are always agreed with your own care team.

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