A review published 23 June 2026 in Diabetes Care from the Immunology of Diabetes research group at the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) examines whether physical activity could serve as a complementary strategy for type 1 diabetes beyond blood sugar management.
Key points from the review:
- Focus: Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune — the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells. The paper looks at exercise’s potential to influence that immune process.
- Preclinical evidence: In animal models, exercise may reduce immune cell infiltration into pancreatic islets, protect beta cells, and increase anti-inflammatory mediators.
- Human data: Still limited, but some studies link physical activity to longer partial remission periods and anti-inflammatory immune profiles.
- What it isn’t: Authors stress exercise does not cure type 1 diabetes or replace insulin. It’s a potential low-risk, patient-centered complement.
Next steps called for:
- More clinical studies to identify optimal exercise type, intensity, duration, and timing
- Development of immunological markers to measure impact
- Integration with emerging early detection and immunotherapy strategies
Goal: Understand how exercise affects autoimmunity to potentially help restore immune tolerance, preserve remaining beta cells, and reduce complications.
First author Daniel A. Cook notes that specific studies are needed to clarify mechanisms and position exercise as both a complement to insulin therapy and a preconditioning strategy for immunotherapy.