What Stops People with Type 1 Diabetes from Being Active? New UK Research Has Answers

Staying physically active is important for everyone's health, but people with Type 1 diabetes often face unique obstacles. A new UK study set out to understand what gets in the way—and the findings reveal both common challenges and some surprising differences between adults and children.

Researchers surveyed 311 people: 182 adults with Type 1 diabetes and 129 parents of children with Type 1 diabetes. They asked about what stops them from being active and what helps them keep moving. The responses paint a clear picture of a community navigating multiple barriers at once.

One finding stood out across both groups: nearly three-quarters of respondents reported experiencing stigma or negative comments in physical activity and sports settings. Whether adults at the gym or children on a sports team, people with Type 1 diabetes encounter judgment or misunderstanding about their condition.

The researchers note this is a major barrier that hasn't received enough attention. Stigma doesn't just affect how someone feels—it can discourage people from exercising altogether, limiting the health benefits that physical activity offers.

While stigma affects everyone, adults and children encounter different obstacles to staying active. Adults reported two key concerns: fear of hypoglycaemia during exercise (53%) and lack of motivation (39%). These reflect both the medical management required during activity and the personal drive needed to prioritise exercise.

Parents of children reported different barriers. Lack of education among coaches (31%) topped the list for external obstacles. This suggests that adults struggling with self-motivation benefit from different support than children, who need coaches and instructors who understand Type 1 diabetes.

A striking difference emerged in healthcare support. While 57% of parents said their child's healthcare team supported physical activity, only 24% of adults reported receiving that same encouragement from their doctors. This gap suggests adults may be missing out on guidance that could help them overcome clinical concerns like hypoglycaemia during exercise.

This study is one of the first in the UK to directly compare barriers across age groups, offering a more complete picture of why people with Type 1 diabetes struggle with physical activity. The research used a framework to organise findings—looking at psychological, motivational, environmental, and social factors—to identify where interventions could make a real difference.

The results suggest several areas worth attention: reducing stigma in sports and fitness settings, improving healthcare provider support for adults, and ensuring coaches and instructors understand Type 1 diabetes better. Understanding these barriers is an important first step toward building a more supportive environment for physical activity.

Source: Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.