Improved Open-Loop Glucose Control With Basal Insulin Reduction 90 Minutes Before Aerobic Exercise in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes on Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

Abstract

Objective: To reduce exercise-associated hypoglycemia, individuals with type 1 diabetes on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion typically perform basal rate reductions (BRRs) and/or carbohydrate feeding, although the timing and amount of BRRs necessary to prevent hypoglycemia are unclear. The goal of this study was to determine if BRRs set 90 min pre-exercise better attenuate hypoglycemia versus pump suspension (PS) at exercise onset.

Research design and methods: Seventeen individuals completed three 60-min treadmill exercise (∼50% of VO_2peak) visits in a randomized crossover design. The insulin strategies included 1) PS at exercise onset, 2) 80% BRR set 90 min pre-exercise, and 3) 50% BRR set 90 min pre-exercise.

Results: Blood glucose level at exercise onset was higher with 50% BRR (191 ± 49 mg/dL) vs. 80% BRR (164 ± 41 mg/dL; P < 0.001) and PS (164 ± 45 mg/dL; P < 0.001). By exercise end, 80% BRR showed the smallest drop (-31 ± 58 mg/dL) vs. 50% BRR (-47 ± 50 mg/dL; P = 0.04) and PS (-67 ± 41 mg/dL; P < 0.001). With PS, 7 out of 17 participants developed hypoglycemia versus 1 out of 17 in both BRR conditions (P < 0.05). Following a standardized meal postexercise, glucose rose with PS and 50% BRR (both P < 0.05), but failed to rise with 80% BRR (P = 0.16). Based on interstitial glucose, overnight mean percent time in range was 83%, 83%, and 78%, and time in hypoglycemia was 2%, 1%, and 5% with 80% BRR, 50% BRR, and PS, respectively (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Overall, a 50-80% BRR set 90 min pre-exercise improves glucose control and decreases hypoglycemia risk during exercise better than PS at exercise onset, while not compromising the postexercise meal glucose control.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03130101.