GlucoseGo: a simple tool to predict hypoglycaemia during exercise in type 1 diabetes

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Authors: Catherine L. Russon, Michael Ross Allen, Emma Cockcroft, John S. Pemberton, Anne-Marie Frohock, Neil Vaughan, Richard Pulsford, Robert C. Andrews
Cited by: 2
References: 35

Abstract

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to develop an accessible tool, derived using machine learning, to predict hypoglycaemia risk at the start of exercise and to provide clear, rapid risk assessment to support safer participation in exercise. METHODS: Data from four diverse studies were combined, encompassing 16,430 exercise sessions from 834 participants aged 12-80 years using various insulin delivery methods. The XGBoost algorithm was used to develop two models: a comprehensive model and a simplified model for predicting hypoglycaemia during exercise. RESULTS: The comprehensive model (406 variables) achieved a mean ROC AUC of 0.89. The simplified model, using only starting glucose, exercise duration and glucose trend arrows, achieved a comparable ROC AUC of 0.87. The simplified model performed consistently across exercise types and insulin delivery methods. In collaboration with individuals with type 1 diabetes, this model was translated into GlucoseGo, a user-friendly traffic-light heatmap displaying hypoglycaemia risk based on the three variables. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The GlucoseGo heatmap provides a practical, accessible tool for predicting hypoglycaemia risk immediately before exercise. It may empower individuals with type 1 diabetes to exercise more safely, reduce hypoglycaemic episodes, and increase engagement in physical activity.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Diabetes Management and Research Diabetes Cardiovascular Risks and Lipoproteins Mobile Health and mHealth Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Diabetologia
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
69
Issue
6
Pages
1468–1481
Publication date
25 February 2026
Language
EN