Do Automated Insulin Pumps Help People Exercise More?

What Was Studied and Why It Matters

Staying active is one of the best things people with type 1 diabetes can do for their health. But managing blood sugar during exercise can be stressful and complicated — and some people worry that physical activity will cause dangerous lows. Researchers wanted to know whether using an automated insulin delivery (AID) system (sometimes called a "closed-loop" or "artificial pancreas" system) makes people more likely to exercise regularly.

This study analyzed data from 1,156 adults with type 1 diabetes enrolled in the BETTER registry, a large database tracking real-world experiences with diabetes technology.

What the Researchers Found

Participants were split into four groups based on their diabetes management approach:

• AID system users (automated pump + continuous glucose monitor working together)
• Pump + CGM users (pump and CGM, but not automated)
• Injections + CGM users
• No CGM users

Here's what stood out:

• 87% of AID users reported doing some physical activity in the past week
• 77–79% of people in the other three groups reported the same
• AID users also tended to exercise more often and for longer periods

However — and this is important — when researchers accounted for factors like age, sex, income, and education level, the differences were no longer statistically significant. This means the higher activity levels in AID users may be partly explained by who tends to use this technology (often people with more resources or access), rather than the technology itself causing people to exercise more.

The Finding That Should Concern Everyone

Regardless of which technology people used, only 28% of all participants met the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week. That's a striking gap — and a reminder that technology alone isn't enough. Most people with type 1 diabetes aren't hitting basic physical activity targets.

What This Means for Real Patients

If you're using an AID system, it may give you more confidence to exercise — knowing your insulin is being adjusted automatically in real time can reduce fear of lows during activity. But the study suggests the technology itself may not be the main driver of activity levels.

Whether you use an AID system, a standard pump, or daily injections, building exercise into your routine is worth prioritizing. Talk to your care team about strategies that work for your management style. Having reliable supplies on hand — from CGM sensors to insulin pump accessories — makes consistency easier. MDS Diabetes offers a wide range of diabetes supplies to help you stay prepared, whatever your treatment approach.

Bottom Line

People using automated insulin delivery systems tended to be more physically active than those using other methods — but socioeconomic factors likely play a big role in that difference. Most importantly, fewer than 1 in 3 adults with type 1 diabetes in this study met basic weekly exercise guidelines. Better technology helps, but personalized support and public health efforts are needed to close that gap.