Why this work is needed
For many adolescents with type 1 diabetes, being physically active can be challenging. Some worry about low blood sugar during or after exercise, while others are unsure how best to manage insulin and carbohydrates around activity.
Although physical activity is important for health and wellbeing, young people do not always receive the practical support they need across healthcare, school, and sport settings. This programme is designed to help close that gap.
What we have learned so far
Early findings show that many adolescents and families rely on trial and error, informal advice, and inconsistent support when managing physical activity with type 1 diabetes. We have also found that healthcare professionals, teachers, and coaches often want to help but may lack clear guidance, confidence, or resources.
Our wider research has also highlighted gaps in training, policies, and access to tailored advice. Taken together, these findings show the need for support that is more consistent, practical, and grounded in real-life experiences.
What we are doing
We are not developing a single intervention in isolation. Instead, this programme brings together several studies to build a clearer picture of what support is needed, what already exists, and what could work best in practice.
Across the programme, we are reviewing existing self-management programmes, exploring the experiences of adolescents and the people who support them, and examining the wider systems and policies that shape support for physical activity. The findings will help us develop practical, relevant, and youth-friendly approaches.
Who we work with
We work with adolescents with type 1 diabetes, parents and carers, healthcare professionals, PE teachers, sports coaches, and other stakeholders.
Their input helps ensure that the work reflects everyday realities and leads to support that is useful, acceptable, and realistic to use in practice.
What we hope to improve
Our long-term aim is to improve support for physical activity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. We want young people to feel more confident being active, better supported in managing their diabetes around exercise, and more able to take part in the activities they enjoy.
We also hope this work will inform better resources, training, and policy so that support is more consistent across healthcare, education, and sport.
Get involved
If you are a young person with type 1 diabetes, a parent or carer, a clinician, teacher, coach, or someone working in sport or health, we would welcome your views.
Your experience can help shape future support for physical activity. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch.