Exercise
Pumps & Pens
Utilizing Devices for Exercise
Pumps and smart pens are often designed with physical activity and exercise in mind. Many of these smart devices can track insulin on board (IOB) to prevent concerns like low glucose or overlapping doses. Many insulin pumps also have an "activity" or "exercise" mode built-in to increase your glucose target during exercise. Below we provide some information on how to use these systems around activity.
Tips for Activity with Pumps & Smart Pens:
Tandem Control IQ and Medtronic 780G pumps can be a good option for contact sports:
- You might need to take off the device.
- You can put it back on and give more insulin if needed.
Omnipod 5 is good choice for swimming and other water sports:
- No tubes.
- You can wear it in the water and keep getting insulin while swimming.
Tandem Mobi pump is new, small, and easy to take off for sports.
Smart insulin pens (like InPen, NovoPen, Unity, Tempo) help track insulin better than regular pens, especially for exercise.
Change infusion sets more often (every 1-2 days) if playing contact sports to avoid site failures.
Types of infusion sets - Some people like using auto soft sets for contact sports.
Injections are also good for contact sports:
- No devices on the body.
- Some people like using fewer devices or technology.
- Less worry about devices falling off during activity.
Automated Insulin Delivery Systems
Many automated insulin delivery (AID) systems have features for exercise. These features can be turned on during physical activity to reduce insulin delivery and change your target glucose value. Below is a table showing some of the different physical activity settings you can use with the Tandem t:slim X2 with Control IQ, Omnipod 5, and Minimed 780G.
CHECK OUT OUR WISDOM SECTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PUMPS AND SMART PENS FOR EXERCISE
I was adamant I’d stop using it once the baby was born but I actually started liking seeing my plots and avoiding the lows and highs.
Lolly
As I began to trust the system more, I gave it more and more range to have control managing my diabetes, which has worked really well.
Dan
When people ask me about my devices, I tell them. They're really cool!