Demographic and clinical characteristics of a Spanish population of people living with type 1 diabetes who practice nonprofessional sports: The DIABESPORT survey

Abstract

AimTo determine the characteristics of people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) who practice sports, the support they receive, and the way in which they manage their disease during sports. MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study designed as a web-based survey released through social media was carried out, directed to physically active people with T1D. ResultsA total of 342 subjects completed the survey (16 children; 67.5% males). The duration of living with T1D was 18.6 ± 11.4 years. The mean glycosylated hemoglobin concentration (HbA1c) was 6.7 ± 0.8%, and the mean time in range (TIR) was 72.9 ± 15.8%. Only 27.2% started sports activity following the diagnosis of T1D. The most frequently used basal insulin was insulin degludec (38.6%). The usual treatment modification before doing sports consisted of bolus reduction (42.5%) or only the adjustment of nutritional supplements (19.7%). In cases of long-acting insulin users, the basal dose usually remained unchanged during sports. One-quarter of the participants were insulin pump users, and of these, 12.5% always disconnected the pump during physical activities. Severe hypoglycemia on the day of physical activity was experienced by 5% of the participants in the last 6 months. One-third reported a lack of support from their physician, and 61% had learned to manage glycemic control during sports by themselves. ConclusionsThis study highlights the adjustments made by people living with T1D during sports practice, and the lack of support received from healthcare professionals.