Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 50 Women only

Impact of Exercise on Blood Sugar Levels During the Menstrual Cycle in Women with Type 1 Diabetes

Official title: Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Blood Glucose Changes During Exercise in Women With Type 1 Diabetes Using Oral Contraceptives

Run by University of Alberta · NCT05188014 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how aerobic exercise affects blood sugar levels in women with type 1 diabetes who are on birth control during different phases of their menstrual cycle.

More Type 1 Diabetes trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment15 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Alberta
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edmonton, Alberta)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 15, 2022
Main results expectedJune 30, 2027
Study endsAugust 30, 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 20, 2026
Trial IDNCT05188014 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are women with type 1 diabetes who have regular menstrual cycles and are using monophasic oral contraceptives.

Probably not a fit

Patients with poorly controlled diabetes, significant cardiovascular issues, or contraindications to exercise may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates how aerobic exercise affects glucose levels in women with type 1 diabetes who are using oral contraceptives. Participants will wear continuous glucose monitors during two separate phases of their menstrual cycle: the active pill phase and the placebo phase. They will perform a 45-minute aerobic exercise session at a predetermined intensity, with blood samples taken before, after, and one hour post-exercise to assess glucose response. The study aims to understand the interaction between menstrual cycle phases and exercise on glucose management.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimizing exercise regimens for better glucose control in women with type 1 diabetes.

How similar studies have gone: While studies on exercise and diabetes exist, this specific focus on menstrual cycle phases in women with type 1 diabetes is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* type 1 diabetes diagnosed for at least 1 year
* regular menses
* using monophasic oral contraceptives
* residing in Edmonton, Alberta and able to visit the lab at the University of Alberta

Exclusion Criteria:

* HbA1c \> 9.9%
* frequent and unpredictable hypoglycemia
* change in insulin management strategy within two months of the study
* use of an automated insulin delivery system
* blood pressure \> 140/95
* history of cardiovascular disease
* severe peripheral neuropathy
* active proliferative retinopathy
* use of medications (other than insulin) that would affect blood glucose levels
* any musculoskeletal condition that would contraindicate exercise (e.g. sprain, strain, joint injury, etc.)

Where it's running

  • Alberta Diabetes Institute
    Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.