RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exercising in Hot Conditions: How Does it Effect Blood Glucose in People With T1D

This study, called "Exercising in Hot Conditions: How Does it Effect Blood Glucose in People With T1D," is investigating how exercising in hot weather impacts blood sugar levels in individuals living with type 1 diabetes. Researchers aim to find out if being in a hot environment changes how quickly blood sugar levels go up or down during 40 minutes of moderate exercise, and for 30 minutes afterwards. Participants will visit Liverpool John Moores University twice. During one visit, they’ll exercise in a normal room temperature (around 20°C), and on the other, they'll exercise in a warmer room (around 40°C). Each visit will be similar, except for the temperature, and will happen within 24 hours of each other to compare the effects directly. This research will help people with type 1 diabetes manage their blood sugar better when exercising in different climates.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Liverpool John Moores University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2026

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help us understand more about how our bodies, specifically blood sugar levels, react when we exercise in hot conditions, especially for people who have type 1 diabetes. We know that exercise is good for you, but it can also affect blood sugar in different ways, and adding heat into the mix might change things even more. This research is important because many people with type 1 diabetes enjoy being active, and sometimes this includes exercising in warm environments, whether it’s a hot gym or outdoors during summer.

The researchers want to see exactly how your blood sugar changes during and just after a workout when it’s both a comfortable temperature and when it’s much hotter. By understanding these changes, doctors and people with type 1 diabetes can gain better insights into managing blood sugar effectively and safely during exercise in heat. This could lead to better advice and strategies for staying healthy and active, no matter the temperature.

The study will involve two main visits to the university labs. You won't be given any new medicines; instead, the focus is purely on how your body responds to exercise in different temperatures. The results from this study could be very helpful for individuals with type 1 diabetes, their families, and healthcare professionals in making informed decisions about exercise routines and blood sugar management in various weather conditions.

Key takeaways

Study explores exercise in hot weather for people with type 1 diabetes.
Compares blood sugar changes during exercise in normal vs. warmer rooms.
Aims to improve guidance for managing blood sugar while active in heat.
Involves two visits to Liverpool John Moores University labs.
Focuses on moderate-intensity exercise for 40 minutes plus 30 mins after.
Participation helps scientists understand diabetes better for others.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for at least a year. You also need to be using insulin, whether through daily injections, an insulin pump, or a 'hybrid closed-loop' system. If you use a hybrid closed-loop system, you should have some experience with setting a steady insulin rate when exercising.

You should be aged between 18 and 65 years old and regularly active. This means you do endurance exercise, like cycling, running, or swimming, for at least 30 minutes per session, twice a week or more.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, have recently given birth or stopped breastfeeding, or if you have certain heart or blood vessel conditions. People with very high blood sugar levels (HbA1c over 85), or who have recently had a severe low blood sugar episode needing help from someone else, also can't take part. Other reasons include very low body weight, difficulty swallowing, or if you have specific digestive problems or an implanted medical device.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have type 1 diabetes and have I been diagnosed for over a year?
Am I between 18 and 65 years old?
Do I take insulin (injections, pump, or hybrid closed-loop)?
Do I exercise endurance activities (like running or swimming) at least twice a week for 30+ minutes each time?
Am I not pregnant, recently postpartum, or breastfeeding?
Do I have any heart problems or very high HbA1c (over 85 mmol/mol)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit the laboratories at Liverpool John Moores University twice. These visits will be very similar, except for the room temperature. On one day, the room will be a normal temperature (around 20°C), and on the other day, it will be warmer (around 40°C). The order of these visits will be decided randomly, like flipping a coin, and they will happen within 24 hours of each other.

During each visit, you will do 40 minutes of moderate exercise. This isn't super intense, but enough to get your heart rate up. We will then continue to monitor your blood sugar for 30 minutes after your exercise finishes. The researchers will be carefully tracking your blood sugar levels throughout to see how they change. You won't be asked to change your normal diabetes medication or routine during the study, other than what is required for the study day. The total time for each visit and the overall duration of your involvement will be explained in detail by the study staff.

Potential risks and benefits

While we don't expect major benefits directly from taking part, your participation will provide valuable information that could help many other people with type 1 diabetes manage their condition better during exercise in different temperatures. As with any exercise, there's a small risk of feeling tired or experiencing common exercise-related symptoms. Because we are looking at blood sugar, there is always a small risk of blood sugar going too low (hypo) or too high, but the team will be closely monitoring you to keep you safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without this affecting your medical care or relationship with your healthcare providers.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Liverpool John Moores University
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)?

Type 1 diabetes is a condition where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar (glucose) get into your cells for energy.

What kind of exercise will I be doing?

You will be doing moderate-intensity exercise for 40 minutes. This is activity that makes you breathe harder and your heart beat faster, but you should still be able to talk in short sentences.

Will I have to change my insulin or diet for this study?

You'll be advised on how to adjust your insulin and food intake on the study days to ensure your blood sugar is safe to exercise. We aim for these changes to be minimal and well-planned with the research team.

How often will I need to visit the university?

You will need to visit the laboratories at Liverpool John Moores University twice. These two visits will usually be within 24 hours of each other.

Will I be exercising in a sauna-like room?

One of the exercise sessions will be in a warmer room at 40°C, which is quite warm, but it's not like a sauna. The humidity will be kept at 50%, similar to a summer day.

How to find out more

Matthew Cocks, PhD

m.s.cocks@ljmu.ac.uk 447540191292 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.