For an IDDM patient undergoing a cardiovascular fitness program, which change in diabetes management is most likely as fitness increases?

For an IDDM patient undergoing a cardiovascular fitness program, which change in diabetes management is most likely as fitness increases?

• A. Decreasing the amount of insulin taken daily
• B. Switching to oral medications
• C. Decreasing caloric intake after exercise
• D. Increasing the amount of insulin taken daily

Answer: (A)

When someone with IDDM becomes more physically fit, their body becomes more sensitive to insulin, especially in skeletal muscle. Exercise improves the muscle’s ability to take up glucose and use it efficiently, so less insulin is needed to achieve the same blood glucose control. In practice, this often means the total daily dose of insulin can be reduced while continuing a cardiovascular training program, though doses must be adjusted carefully and glucose monitored because exercise can also trigger hypoglycemia and insulin needs can vary day to day. Switching to oral medications isn’t appropriate for type 1 diabetes, since insulin remains necessary. Reducing caloric intake after exercise isn’t a standard requirement; instead, carbohydrate needs and insulin dosing are adjusted based on blood glucose responses and activity level, rather than a fixed rule to eat less. Increasing insulin daily would counter the improved insulin sensitivity gained from training and raise hypoglycemia risk.

When someone with IDDM becomes more physically fit, their body becomes more sensitive to insulin, especially in skeletal muscle. Exercise improves the muscle’s ability to take up glucose and use it efficiently, so less insulin is needed to achieve the same blood glucose control. In practice, this often means the total daily dose of insulin can be reduced while continuing a cardiovascular training program, though doses must be adjusted carefully and glucose monitored because exercise can also trigger hypoglycemia and insulin needs can vary day to day. Switching to oral medications isn’t appropriate for type 1 diabetes, since insulin remains necessary. Reducing caloric intake after exercise isn’t a standard requirement; instead, carbohydrate needs and insulin dosing are adjusted based on blood glucose responses and activity level, rather than a fixed rule to eat less. Increasing insulin daily would counter the improved insulin sensitivity gained from training and raise hypoglycemia risk.