Working out with type 1 diabetes can feel like a lot of work. Between insulin, food, exercise, and the fear of going low, it can feel like a lot to manage. I know that feeling firsthand, but after years of experimenting with food, exercise, insulin, and diabetes technology I found a routine that’s helped make fitness a much more manageable part of my life with diabetes.

The video above dives into the strategies that have helped me stick with my fitness goals and ultimately live a healthy lifestyle I’m happy with.

A big part of that has been consistency. I tend to keep meals and workouts relatively structured, which makes it easier to anticipate how my glucose and insulin needs will respond.

I’ve learned how different types of exercise affect my insulin sensitivity. Technology has also become a major part of that routine. Rather than simply disconnecting or suspending my pump right before exercising, I use activity settings and overrides to adjust insulin delivery one-hour ahead of time. And no matter how prepared I try to be, I always keep low snacks nearby because, as anyone with diabetes knows, sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan.

Have your own fitness tips with diabetes? Drop your questions, stories and tips in the comments below - I would love to learn from your fitness strategies!