E-Thesis 30 views 5 downloads
Towards a better understanding of the role for continuous glucose monitoring in glycaemic management of athletic cohorts. / ROSS HAMILTON
Swansea University Author: ROSS HAMILTON
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.71337
Abstract
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been of great benefit to diabetes management, but its use in healthy, physically active populations remains poorly understood. This thesis investigates the accuracy, interpretation, and application of CGM in active individuals, addressing key limitations in ho...
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Swansea University
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Bracken, R. M. and Bain, S. C. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71337 |
| Abstract: |
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been of great benefit to diabetes management, but its use in healthy, physically active populations remains poorly understood. This thesis investigates the accuracy, interpretation, and application of CGM in active individuals, addressing key limitations in how glucose data are applied outside clinical settings.The first study compares interstitial and capillary glucose responses following ingestion of carbohydrate-containing beverages varying in type, amount, and concentration. It identifies small but consistent differences between compartments during periods of rapid glucose change, highlighting the need to account for physiological lags when interpreting interstitial data. A second study monitors elite female cyclists over a nine-day training camp to characterise glucose patterns during intensified training. Glucose values remain generally stable, yet display some time <70 mg/dL i.e., hypoglycaemia. A third study examines how 28-day high-versus low-glycaemic index (GI) diets affect glycaemia and performance. Although both diets produce glucose values within normoglycaemic ranges, measures of glycaemic variability differ significantly, with the low-GI diet showing reduced variability compared to the high-GI diet. While no performance effects are observed, CGM detects meaningful diet-induced changes in glycaemic profiles, supporting its use for monitoring nutritional strategies aimed at glycaemic stability.These findings raise important questions about the appropriateness of clinical thresholds and metrics for CGM use in active populations. Many observed fluctuations likely reflect normal responses to exercise, fuelling, and recovery. This thesis highlights the need for context-specific interpretation and the identification of metrics suited to the demands of physically active individuals. CGM is beneficial in helping people understand their glycaemia, which can then support better decisions regarding diet and training. It may also help identify atypical glycaemic patterns and support long-term health monitoring and optimisation in active populations. |
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| Keywords: |
Physiology, Nutrition, Glycaemia, Sport Science, Sports Technology |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
Supersapiens Inc, BENEO |