Carbohydrates and Glucose Levels in the Type 1 Diabetic

Overview

Objective: My project objective was to determine how carbohydrates affect glucose levels during exercise as a Type 1 Diabetic. I chose this project because I wanted to do something I personally connect to and that could help me better manage my health. Materials and Methods: I conducted multiple trials where I walked on a treadmill for 15 minutes to keep a consistent pace and utilized Gatorade as carbohydrate source. Before, during, and after each trial, I monitored my glucose levels using my Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and recorded the results. During each trial, I drank different amounts of Gatorade to test which amount worked best to maintain a stable glucose level. I tested three different carbohydrate amounts along with a control trial with no Gatorade. I completed two trials for each condition. Results: Of the four conditions I tested, consuming carbohydrates helped keep my glucose levels more stable during exercise. The 20 grams of carbohydrates worked best for maintaining a steady glucose level. Lower amounts and the control trial showed greater drops in glucose. Conclusion/Discussion: Results from this study supported my hypothesis that carbohydrates are needed to help maintain stable glucose levels during exercise. This project is useful because it shows how people with diabetes can use carbohydrates and CGM data to better manage glucose levels while engaging in sports and activities. I hope to use this experiment in the future as I continue to grow in understanding how to maintain my glucose levels while engaging in sports and exercise. This experiment has given me a foundation for future work as I strive to become a dietitian later in life.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Medicine & Physiology (Junior Division) · Entry J-15-26

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