Children with Type 1 diabetes lead completely normal lives — they attend school, play competitive sports, go on field trips, and participate in every activity their peers do. What changes is the preparation and communication required to do these things safely. This is one of the things I spend significant time on with families in my practice at Hulse Clinic, JP Nagar, because managing diabetes well in daily life requires practical knowledge, not restriction.
School: Teachers and relevant school staff should understand what Type 1 diabetes is, how to recognise hypoglycaemia symptoms, and what to do. I provide families with a written school management plan that covers this clearly
Hypoglycaemia at school: The child should have fast-acting glucose available in the classroom at all times, and staff should know that a child showing signs of hypoglycaemia should never be left alone
Exercise and sports: Physical activity lowers blood glucose, and the relationship between exercise and glucose needs to be understood and managed. This typically involves adjusting insulin doses or taking additional carbohydrate before and after activity
CGM at school: Many families find CGM particularly valuable during school hours because parents can remotely monitor glucose without the child needing to leave class for finger-prick checks
Overnight trips and camps: With appropriate planning and staff awareness, these are entirely achievable
Exercise is actively encouraged for children with Type 1 diabetes. The health benefits are the same as for any child, and the confidence that comes from participating fully in physical activities is important for the child's relationship with their diabetes and their quality of life.
Written by Dr Anjana Hulse, MBBS (Rajiv Gandhi University), MRCPCH (Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, UK), MSc Paediatric Endocrinology (University of Glasgow, passed with distinction), Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Endocrinologist, Hulse Clinic, 635, 8th Main Road, Near Delmia Circle, Jeewan Griha Colony Phase 2, JP Nagar, Bengaluru 560078. Phone: +91 94802 60001.
