Sports and activity

Exercise is just as important for children with diabetes as it is for other children. Diabetes should not prevent a child from participating in sports, physical education or other play activities.

Exercise does present a challenge for the child with diabetes, because exercise causes the blood sugar level to fall just like insulin does. Sometimes the blood sugar level may rise during exercise, but tend to fall for some hours afterwards.

Teachers and family members should be aware of this possibility and must also be alert to signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) during play or other physical activity so that help can be provided if necessary.

Most children will learn to recognize low blood sugar and be able to handle the situation in advance by eating some extra food that contains glucose to carry them through the activity.

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