Exercise on the iLet – Tips for Exercise and Insulin Management
When you exercise, your insulin needs can change significantly.
Your iLet does not know that you are exercising. Your iLet will continue to increase or decrease insulin dosing in response to your changing CGM glucose levels as usual.
Always make sure to have rapid-acting carbohydrates available to prevent or treat hypoglycemia. Carry emergency glucagon with you to treat severe hypoglycemia.
Make sure your CGM alarms are turned on and the volume is set to a level that you can hear.
DO NOT pre-load with carbs while still connected to the iLet.
- If you eat carbohydrates before exercising while still connected to the iLet, the iLet will automatically increase insulin delivery in response to your rising CGM glucose levels. This will cause you to have more insulin working in your body while you are exercising, increasing your risk of hypoglycemia during and after exercise – exactly what you were trying to avoid!
- If you want to “pre-load” with carbs, make sure to eat your carbohydrate meal or snack AFTER DISCONNECTING from the iLet. This way, the iLet cannot deliver insulin and your glucose will rise from the carbs in the meal or snack as you intended.
Options during exercise:
- Disconnect from the iLet
- Make sure you can still monitor your CGM glucose and hear your CGM alerts.
- Remember to reconnect to the iLet when you are finished exercising. Staying disconnected for too long can result in hyperglycemia and development of ketones.
- Stay connected to the iLet
- Do not “pre-load” with carbs to raise your glucose level.
- Treat with rapid-acting carbs as needed.
For more information, please click here to access the iLet Quick Reference Guide or User Guide.