Glucose monitoring for type 1 diabetes mellitus in junior rhythmic gymnastics – a case report

Abstract

The main challenge in managing type 1 diabetes mellitus is to achieve the glycaemic targets, especially when top-level athletes are involved. The present paper aims at identifying the daily continuous glycaemic oscillations that occur on a regular basis during rhythmic gymnastics training sessions. This is a case report of a 12-year-old junior rhythmic gymnast diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, with 6 years of experience in sport. Her glycaemic records were available for analysis through the FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring sensor. The investigation took place in Bucharest between March 30 and April 26, 2021. During this time, the gymnast attended training sessions, provided that her glycaemic values allowed her to perform physical exercise. Data resulting from the LibreView specific software were correlated with the exercise parameters. From the diabetes management standpoint, it was emphasised the distribution of glycaemic values (in range, above and below the target zone) in bi-monthly and daily reports to identify the glucose profiles on training and non-training days. Depending on glycaemic oscillations, the coach adjusted in real time the training load for the athlete so that hypo- and hyperglycaemic episodes are avoided. Glucose monitoring could safely establish risk-free time intervals for both health and training purposes.