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Review
. 2023 Feb 4;20(4):2772.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph20042772.

Type 1 Diabetes and the Menstrual Cycle: Where/How Does Exercise Fit in?

Saru Toor  1   2 , Jane E Yardley  1   3   4   5 , Zeinab Momeni  1   3   5
Affiliations
Review

Type 1 Diabetes and the Menstrual Cycle: Where/How Does Exercise Fit in?

Saru Toor et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Regular exercise is associated with substantial health benefits for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the fear of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) due to activity-induced declines in blood glucose levels acts as a major barrier to partaking in exercise in this population. For females with T1D, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and their effects on blood glucose levels can act as an additional barrier. The impact that these cyclic changes may have on blood glucose and insulin needs and the consequent risk of hypoglycemia during or after exercise are still unknown in this population. Therefore, in this narrative review, we gathered existing knowledge about the menstrual cycle in T1D and the effects of different cyclic phases on substrate metabolism and glucose response to exercise in females with T1D to increase knowledge and understanding around exercise in this underrepresented population. This increased knowledge in such an understudied area can help to better inform exercise guidelines for females with T1D. It can also play an important role in eliminating a significant barrier to exercise in this population, which has the potential to increase activity, improve mental health and quality of life, and decrease the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Keywords: exercise; glucose; insulin; menstrual cycle; type 1 diabetes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Phases and hormonal profile of the menstrual cycle.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Variable levels of glucose and/or insulin sensitivity during the menstrual cycle in females with T1D. Lower insulin sensitivity and/or higher blood glucose levels are often experienced by a subset of females with T1D during the luteal phase. The effects that these fluctuations may have on blood glucose levels during and after exercise are not yet clear in this population.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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