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

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

Not applicable Interventional University of Alberta · NCT05188014

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.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edmonton, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT05188014 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Type 1 Diabetes
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.