{
  "id": 12815832,
  "title": "Type 1 diabetes 'should not set the limits on a child's sports dreams'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/type-1-diabetes-should-not-set-the-limits-on-a-childs-sports-dreams",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-08T07:23:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/08/type-1-diabetes-should-not-set-the-limits-on-a-childs-sports-dreams"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Type 1 diabetes should not restrict a child's pursuit of sports, despite the chronic condition requiring daily glucose management, according to Thanasis Tziamourtas, a professor at the University of Thessaly in Greece. The disease, caused by the immune system destroying pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin production, is not linked to obesity, poor diet, or lack of exercise. Insulin therapy, via injections or an insulin pump, is essential for life, but it should not hinder a child's ability to participate in sports, Tziamourtas asserts.\n\nGerman tennis player Alexander Zverev, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at four, and American swimmer Gary Hall Jr., a 10-time Olympic medalist, are examples of elite athletes with type 1 diabetes successfully competing at high levels. Dutch volleyball Olympic champion Bas van de Goor is another instance.\n\nWorldwide, around 66 million people have diabetes, with one in three undiagnosed. In the region, approximately 2.7 million individuals have type 1 diabetes, the highest prevalence across all areas. Type 1 diabetes develops early in life and necessitates constant glucose level management. However, this does not preclude children from engaging in play, exercise, or even elite sports.\n\nInternational guidelines recommend 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, mirroring the general population. Regular exercise offers numerous benefits, including improved cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, insulin sensitivity, body composition, and cardiovascular risk factors, as well as significant psychological and social advantages.\n\nHowever, exercise can impact glucose levels differently in people with type 1 diabetes. During physical activity, muscles require more energy, leading to increased glucose uptake from the blood. In those without diabetes, the pancreas reduces insulin secretion according to the body's needs. In contrast, type 1 diabetes requires external insulin administration, which cannot be adjusted automatically. Consequently, hypoglycemia may occur during prolonged aerobic exercises like running, cycling, or swimming. Conversely, high-intensity activities such as sprints, high-intensity drills, or intense matches can temporarily raise glucose levels due to adrenaline release.\n\nThus, the key to a safe and enjoyable sports experience for children with type 1 diabetes lies in proper preparation. Glucose levels should be monitored before, during, and after activity, with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems offering valuable support. Fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or a sugary drink, should be readily available to manage potential hypoglycemia. Post-exercise glucose monitoring is also crucial, as levels may drop several hours later, particularly after evening or late-afternoon sessions.\n\nInsulin and carbohydrate needs vary based on factors like the type, duration, and intensity of the activity, time of day, and individual experience. Therefore, insulin and carbohydrate adjustments must be individually tailored in collaboration with healthcare professionals, considering the type of exercise, time of day, duration and intensity, and the person's previous experience. With advancements in technology like continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and automated insulin delivery systems, along with appropriate education, children and adults with type 1 diabetes can safely enjoy physical activity and sports.",
  "summary": "'Exercise, know your body, monitor your glucose and learn to adjust your insulin and your diet correctly,' a Greek professor tells those who have type 1 diabetes.",
  "key_points": [
    "Type 1 diabetes should not limit children's sports dreams, according to Thanasis Tziamourtas.",
    "Elite athletes like Alexander Zverev and Gary Hall Jr. successfully compete with type 1 diabetes."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}