The Effect of 8 and 10% Carbohydrate Drinks on Blood Glucose Levelof Type 1 Diabetic Adolescents During andAfter Exercise

Abstract

1869 During exercise, individuals with type 1 diabetes may need a greater content of carbohydrate (CHO) than that of sports drinks to maintain their blood glucose levels. PURPOSE: To examine blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetic adolescents who ingested a 8% and a 10% CHO drink, before, and during exercise. METHODS: Six (4 males and 2 females) adolescents (16,7 ± 3 yrs), with a well-controlled (HbA1c <12%) type 1 diabetes and no complications of the disease, cycled at 55–65% of their VO2max for 60 min in two separate days. Subjects ingested either a drink with 8% or 10% CHO (2,62 g and 3,28 g of fructose; and 5,38 g and 6,72 g of glucose, respectively) in each visit in a randomized order and a double-blind design. The two drinks were similar in color and flavor. Drink intake was 5 ml/kg prior to exercise, and 2 ml/kg every 15 min of exercise. RESULTS: After 60 min of cycling, blood glucose levels in 8%CHO did not decrease significantly (151 ± 27,37 to 125 ± 69 mg/dl, p>0.05) as well as in 10%CHO (171 ± 17,96 to 176 ± 58,64 mg/dl, p>0.05). No significant differences between trials were found in heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, nor in gastrointestinal symptons. CONCLUSIONS: Ingestion of drinks containing either 8% or 10% CHO prevented the reduction of blood glucose levels induced by one hour of continuous exercise in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.