Research

Although exercise delivers obvious benefits and has long been considered a vital component of diabetes management, it frequently causes blood glucose levels to drop drastically and unpredictably. In fact, even as early as 1926, R.D. Lawrence, a British endocrinologist and himself a person with diabetes, found that aerobic exercise consisting of rowing and stationary cycling would dramatically reduce his blood glucose within minutes of subcutaneous insulin injection. Numerous studies have since confirmed the "hypoglycemic" effect of physical exertion in individuals with diabetes.

In recent years, research has also attempted to determine the effects of high-intensity exercise on blood glucose control. This is important as many sports include brief bursts of maximal effort which interrupt longer periods of moderate-intensity activity or rest. These activities include team sports such as football or field hockey and even the characteristic 'stop-start' play patterns of children. Research with this form of exercise and its effect on blood glucose is scarce, although it is primarily believed that it may cause blood glucose levels to rise. Individuals with diabetes often find that glycemic stabilization is more difficult with this form of exercise compared with exercise of only one level of intensity.

The School of Sports Science, Exercise & Health is leading international research in the area of exercise and diabetes. However, this would not be possible without the many kind volunteers with type 1 diabetes. Several projects are currently proceeding on a wide range of topics (see 'links' section for copies of articles or reference literature).

If you or someone you know would like to participate in a research study, please contact Katherine at (08) 6488 3181 or at diabfits@cyllene.uwa.edu.au for questions or further inquires.