Lauren McDougallJul 12, 20182 min read
Type 1 Diabetes.. why exercise is so important
Updated: Mar 29, 2022
Given it's National Diabetes week (July 8th-14th) let's unpack the importance of an active lifestyle for Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition, and usually begins in childhood and adolescence (although it can be later). One of the biggest myths is that because insulin is being used, lifestyle changes aren't also absolutely vital.
What's so good about exercise??
Although exercise can’t reverse the changes to the cells in the pancreas causing the decreased insulin production, exercise will promote the use of the glucose that stored in the body. This makes room for the glucose circulating in the blood to be removed, and taken up by the muscles to store for later.
This helps regulate blood sugar levels for hours after exercise. Pretty cool huh!
What's more, insulin isn't needed for muscles to use circulating glucose.
But that's not all
Diabetes is a serious condition. Exercise is very important as it helps to reduce the negative effects of diabetes, which can contribute to other chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and eye damage. To put it simply, high blood sugar levels seen with diabetes place stress on the body and create an inflammatory process. This inflammatory process, over time, causes damage to nerves, blood vessels etc.
Exercise is particularly important for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.
Exercise is very important for all forms of diabetes for the same reasons - reduce and control blood sugar levels.
Individuals with T1D however, are exposed to high blood sugar levels for longer - i.e they develop the condition younger and it sticks around for life. This means overall, their bodies are at greater risk of prolonged exposure to oxidative stress (the process contributing to the inflammation).
As their bodies are unable to self-regulate insulin production to accommodate changing sugar levels, their blood sugar is constantly up and down creating spikes in sugar levels. Meaning they often have greater exposure to periods of high blood sugar, which further increases that inflammatory process.
With exercise as an adjunct therapy to external insulin, we see better regulation of blood sugar levels, and less of the spikes as the body is able to regulate sugar levels better between insulin doses. This keeps inflammation down, reducing the likelihood of damage as a result.
Why an Accredited Exercise Physiologist should be your go-to!
As exercise plays a similar role to insulin, some considerations are needed to ensure safe physical activity (to ensure blood sugar levels stay in a safe range). For example, the timing of insulin withexercise, the location of the insulin injection prior to exercise etc.
Guidance of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist is important to ensure you’re exercising right for your diabetes condition and can deliver a safe, expertly prescribed exercise program tailored to individual requirements.
Lauren McDougall June 4 2026
Why movement matters more than you think (especially for kids)
If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is moving enough, you’re not alone.
For many families, “movement” can start to feel like another thing to keep up with—sports, activities, getting outside more, limiting screen time. It can quickly become something that feels like it needs more time, more energy, and more structure than you realistically have.
But movement doesn’t have to look like that.
In fact, some of the most meaningful movement for kids happens in simple, everyday ways.
Movement is more than just exercise
When we think about movement, it’s easy to picture organised sport or structured activities. But for children, movement is much broader than that.
It can look like:
- Playing in the backyard
- Dancing in the living room
- Climbing, jumping, rolling, exploring
- Walking to the car or helping carry groceries
- Getting up and down off the floor
These small, natural movements are not just “filling time”—they’re how children build the foundations for how their bodies feel and function.
It supports more than just physical health
Movement isn’t only about keeping kids “fit” or active.
It plays a role in:
- Energy levels – helping kids feel more alert and less sluggish
- Mood and emotions – supporting regulation and reducing restlessness
- Focus and attention – especially for younger children
- Confidence – as they learn what their bodies can do
Often, when a child is struggling with energy, focus, or behaviour, movement is one of the simplest places to start.
It doesn’t have to be perfect
One of the biggest barriers families face is the idea that movement needs to be done “properly” to count.
The reality is, it doesn’t.
Short bursts of movement throughout the day can be just as valuable as longer, structured sessions. There’s no need for perfect routines or high levels of motivation—especially in busy seasons of life.
What matters most is creating regular opportunities for movement in a way that fits your family.
What this can look like in real life
For many families, it’s not about adding more—it’s about noticing what’s already possible.
That might be:
- Letting kids play on the floor instead of always sitting on the couch
- Encouraging a quick game or movement break between activities
- Walking short distances where you can
- Building small moments of movement into your usual routines
These small shifts often feel more manageable—and are more likely to stick.
A gentle reminder
If things have felt a bit sedentary lately, that’s okay.
Routines change, life gets busy, and energy comes and goes. Movement doesn’t need to be all or nothing.
Starting small, and keeping things simple, is often what makes the biggest difference over time.
If you’re feeling unsure how movement fits into your child’s day, or where to start, support is there to help you find an approach that feels manageable for your family.
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