Adolescence with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using closed-loop control (CLC) experienced improved glycemic control and reduced risk of hypoglycemia during exercise, according to a study published in Diabetes Care.

Exercising with diabetes is a struggle for most patients. CLC is able to improve glycemic control in short-term exercise, but its impact on extended amounts of exercise is unknown. Led by Marc D. Breton, PhD, from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, researchers evaluated CLC on long-term exercise by examining adolescents' glycemic control while skiing.The study enrolled 32 adolescents with type 1 diabetes while they attended a ski camp lasting five days. Participants received the University of Virginia CLC system or a remotely-monitored sensor-augmented pump. Results showed participants using CLC spent 71.3 percent of time in a healthy glycemic range while those remotely monitored spent 64.7 percent of time in that range.

"CLC in adolescents with T1D, improved glycemic control and reduced exposure to hypoglycemia during prolonged intensive winter sport activities, despite the added challenges of cold and altitude," concluded Breton and colleagues.