Continuous measurement of interstitial glycaemia in professional female UCI world tour cyclists undertaking a 9-day cycle training camp.

Abstract

Nine cyclists (age: 26±5years, height: 168±5cm and mass 58.5±4.5kg) were observed using continuous glucose monitoring devices throughout a training camp. Interstitial glucose [iG] data were captured via the Abbott libre sense biosensor (Abbott Laboratories) and paired with the Supersapiens software (TT1 Products Inc.). [iG] data were split into time ranges, that is, overall (24-hourly), day-time (06:00-23:59), night-time (00:00-05:59) and exercise. [iG] data were stratified into percentage of time, below range ([TBR]<70mg/dl), in range ([TIR] 70-140mg/dl) and above range ([TAR]≥141mg/dl). Differences in diurnal and nocturnal data were analysed via repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t-tests where appropriate. p-value of ≤0.05 was accepted as significant. Riders spent an average of 3±1% TAR, 93±2% TIR and 8±3% TBR. Mean 24h [iG] was 93±2mg/dl with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 18±1%. Mean (day: 95±3 vs. night: 86±3mg/dl and p<0.001) and CV (day: 18±1 vs. night: 9±1% and p<0.001) in [iG] were higher during the day-time hours. TAR was greater during the day (day: 3±1 vs. night: 0±0% and p<0.001) but TBR and TIR were similar. Glucose levels below the clinical range may have implications for those without diabetes and warrants further investigation.