Effect of Exercise and Meals on Continuous Glucose Monitor Data in Healthy Individuals Without Diabetes

Objective: The aim of these analyses was to characterize the effect of exercise and meals on glucose concentrations in healthy individuals without diabetes. Methods: Healthy individuals without diabetes (age >= 6years) with nonobese body mass index were enrolled at 12 centers within the T1D Exchange Clinic Network. Participants wore a blinded Dexcom G6 for up to ten days. Throughout this sensor wear, participants completed a daily log indicating times and type of any exercise and start times of meals and snacks. Results: A total of 153 participants (age 7-80years) were included in the analyses. Exercise induced a mean change of -15 18mg/dL from baseline to nadir sensor glucose level. Mean nadir glucose concentration during nights following exercise days was 82 +/- 11mg/dL compared with 85 +/- 11mg/dL during nights following nonexercise days (P = .05). Mean change from baseline to nadir sensor glucose level during aerobic exercise was -15 +/- 18 and -9 +/- 12mg/dL for resistance exercise (P = .25). Overnight nadir glucose during nights following aerobic and resistance exercise was 83 +/- 12 and 76 +/- 14mg/dL, respectively (P = .25). Overall mean peak postprandial glucose per participant increased from 93 +/- 10mg/dL premeal to 130 +/- 13mg/dL with an average time to peak glucose per participant of 97 +/- 31minutes. Consumption of alcohol on the day prior did not impact overnight mean or nadir glucose. Conclusion: The present analysis provides important data characterizing the effect of exercise and meals on glucose in healthy individuals without diabetes. These data provide a repository to which future therapies, whether pharmacologic or technologic, can be compared.

Automated summary

The study aimed to characterize the effect of exercise and meals on glucose concentrations in healthy individuals without diabetes. Results indicated that exercise can lead to a decrease in glucose levels, while postprandial glucose levels increased rapidly.