FRITZ Harald

Previous University and Subject: Technical University of Vienna / Mathematics; University of Vienna / Sport Science; Danube University Krems / Nutrition & Sports

Thesis since: 03/2022

Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Measurements in Athletes Training for Marathon

Background:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasingly used in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus on intensified insulin therapy and is associated with substantial improvements in glycemic control. In 2021 a company called “Supersapiens” released a system of CGM (Abott Libre Sport Sensor) combined with an App to athletes with the goal of using the information gathered by the CGM device to help athletes to better understand their energy needs during training and competition. However, clinical outcome data on how CGM might improve the physical performance of athletes is scarce. Up to now, there is only very little evidence on how the incorporation of the CGM data into the daily training and competition might help to improve the physical performance of athletes (glucose levels in combination with training effort). Additionally, most of the available studies regarding CGM were done in patients with insulin treated type 1 and type 2 diabetes (references!) but not in healthy athletes. The validity o of CGMs systems was continuously improved over the last years. Also the benefits of ingesting carbohydrates (CHO) during exercise are well established. However, if the physical performance can be improved by combining CGM and standardized CHO ingestion is not known.

Aims:

We aim to assess CGM profiles in athletes training for a marathon and to investigate the impact of a standardized energy supply on glycemic control based on their CGM profiles. With those results we will investigate the impact of optimized glycemic control on physical outcomes in training and competition (marathon).

Methods:

During a 14 week period we will accompany first time marathoners in their preparation for their competition. All of them will get the same trainings plans according to their individually defined performance levels and the same supply of sport nutrition. One group will also get the CGM and will be advised how to fuel properly before/during/after training and competition using the data while the control group gets standardized information regarding nutrition intake. thickness.

Methods and Skills:

Sports science; nutrition