Can Type 1 Diabetics Master Ultra-Trail Running?
Elite athletic performance is possible in individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes. In addition to managing blood glucose levels, sports can help build essential psychosocial skills. This is the message from Jean-Charles Vauthier, MD, PhD, a sports medicine physician and researcher at the PRISME/InterPsy (EA 4432) laboratory at the University of Lorraine in Nancy, France. He explored this through interviews with ultra-trail runners living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and presented his findings at the 2025 French-speaking Diabetes Society Congress, held April 1-4 at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, France.
An ultra-trail is a long-distance trail running competition, usually held in natural settings such as forests, plains, or mountains, and typically covers more than 80 km. It is a physically and mentally demanding event, particularly for athletes with insulin-dependent diabetes who must also regulate their blood glucose levels.
Vauthier initially focused on physiological changes and their effects on performance and alertness. As the director of the Trail Scientifique de Clécy in Normandy, France, he and his team monitored 55 non-diabetic athletes using masked continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) over the course of a 156-km ultra-trail (six laps of 26 km, with +6000 m elevation gain). The athletes wore CGMs starting the day before the race and continued wearing them for 10 days thereafter. Building on his earlier physiological research, Vauthier shifted his focus to the subjective experiences of insulin-dependent athletes. In collaboration with the InterPsy Laboratory at the University of Lorraine, he conducted remote interviews with 13 ultra-trail runners to better understand the challenges they face and the psychosocial skills they develop through long-distance competitions.
'As a diabetic myself and an ultra-trail runner, I am considered a peer and have access to social networks dedicated to this practice,' he explained in the preamble. 'This allowed me to approach the runners more easily on the theme: 'Tell me about your last race.''
Each interview lasted an hour and focused on the paradox of living with a chronic illness while pursuing extreme athletic goals.
Qualitative analysis identified recurring themes, including their stories, and revealed several key themes, including how the experience shaped their self-understanding, helped them manage their diabetes, boosted their motivation, built their expertise, and increased their sense of independence.
Digital Communities
'We are seeing communities being created where everyone contributes pieces — like a puzzle — which creates a kind of nebula of collective intelligence. No two do the same thing, but no one copies each other; therefore, everyone benefits. Of course, by 2025, these are essentially digital communities,' said Vauthier.
'It is really a form of peer support,' he explained. 'It is a bit like the model used in addiction recovery, such as Alcoholics Anonymous — except in this case, the groups are not created for therapeutic purposes, but they end up serving that role. They are not activist groups and have no specific agenda, yet they are still incredibly powerful.' He continued.
'What is also quite striking is the almost familial relationships that individuals with T1D have with each other. With the sensors, pumps, and omnipods, they easily recognise each other on the beach, and it is pretty much the only case where athletes accept their role as role models and will say to a child with a sensor, look at me too, I have one, and you see, anything is possible. I participate in marathons with T1D. I do a lot of ultra trails. These communities also offer practical solutions to a wide range of challenges, particularly technical challenges. For example, how to display blood sugar readings on a watch while running, how to interpret an error message on a pump, or how to keep a sensor in place during hot weather or rain.' 'You post a question and get 40 replies in 10 minutes. Patients with T1D are highly responsive. It is truly the art of resourcefulness, elite version,' Vauthier noted.
Building Flexibility
The study also explored psychosocial skills, which play a key role in many educational programs. Researchers have found that trail running has a notably positive impact on individuals with T1D, helping them manage stress, give and receive social support, and improve their problem-solving abilities.
'When you are able to manage when your pump breaks down in the middle of a run in the mountains, if there is no more food at the refreshment point because you had to stop unexpectedly, then you are able to manage your daily worries thanks to a strong approach to empowerment and a great ability to be flexible — a useful quality in everyday life.' Finally, being able to run an ultra-trail when you are diabetic requires you to know your illness perfectly and tame it completely. 'And we feel that it is not the same thing to know your illness to avoid theoretical complications at 20 years old than to prepare for a race that you dream of. The motivations are not the same. Ultimately, they become hyper-experts without any desire — as we might have thought beforehand — to put themselves in danger. This study shows that the patient's experience is extremely important and that it is always interesting to listen to them talk about their illness,' Vauthier said.
The Clinician's Role
Vauthier raised important questions about how healthcare professionals should engage with these highly skilled patient communities: should they act as mentors and join GroupSat at the risk of affecting their spontaneity? 'Are we ready to prescribe WhatsApp groups, especially when there is so much talk about social prescribing these days?' he asked.
He also emphasised that the athletes interviewed were not representative of the general diabetic population. They all came from higher socio-professional backgrounds, with strong technical abilities and high health literacy levels. 'To me, they are a bit like the 'Formula 1' of diabetes,' he said.
Continuing this metaphor, Vauthier questioned whether the lessons learned from these athletes could be applied to the general population. 'Is this a kind of laboratory — or a sign of growing health inequalities between those who have access to strong networks and advanced technologies and those who do not?' The athletes voiced concerns about this gap and admitted that researchers did not yet have a clear answer.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Vertex Presents Positive Data for Zimislecel in Type 1 Diabetes at the American Diabetes Association 85th Scientific Sessions
– Results from the study continue to demonstrate the transformative potential of zimislecel with consistent and durable patient benefit – – All 12 patients with at least one year of follow-up who received a full dose of zimislecel as a single infusion achieved ADA-recommended target HbA1c levels <7% and >70% time-in-range (70-180 mg/dL), and 10/12 patients were insulin free – – Data presented at ADA simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine – – Vertex to host investor webcast tonight, June 20, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. CT / 8:15 p.m. ET – BOSTON, June 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced simultaneous presentation and publication of updated data from the Phase 1/2 portion of the Phase 1/2/3 FORWARD-101 clinical trial of zimislecel (VX-880), an investigational stem cell-derived, fully differentiated islet cell therapy, in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with impaired hypoglycemic awareness and severe hypoglycemic events (SHEs). The data were featured in an oral presentation at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) annual conference in Chicago as part of the symposium, "Innovation and Progress in Stem Cell-Derived Islet-Cell Replacement Therapy," from 6:15-6:30 p.m. CT (abstract 2025-A-1921) and published online by the New England Journal of Medicine. The data are from 12 patients who received the full dose of zimislecel as a single infusion and were followed for at least one year, as of October 2024. Results from the study to date continue to demonstrate the transformative potential of zimislecel with consistent and durable patient benefit with longer follow-up. All 12 participants: Demonstrated engraftment with glucose-responsive endogenous C-peptide production, which was durable through one year of follow-up. Achieved the ADA targets of HbA1c <7% and time in range of >70%. Were free of SHEs from day 90 onwards. Had a reduction in exogenous insulin use (mean reduction in daily insulin dose: 92%). 10/12 (83%) no longer required exogenous insulin at Month 12. Achieved the Phase 1/2 primary endpoint of elimination of SHEs with HbA1c <7%. Zimislecel continues to be generally well tolerated. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate, and there were no serious AEs related to zimislecel treatment. As previously reported, two patient deaths occurred, both unrelated to treatment with zimislecel. The safety profile is generally consistent with the immunosuppressive regimen used in the study, the infusion procedure, and complications from long-standing diabetes. "These data on the first fully differentiated, stem cell-derived, off-the-shelf islet cell therapy continue to be unprecedented. The magnitude, consistency and durability of the results from all 12 patients with more than one year of follow-up reinforce the transformative potential of zimislecel for people living with T1D complicated by severe hypoglycemia," said Carmen Bozic, M.D., Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development and Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer at Vertex. "We are excited to complete enrollment and dosing in the Phase 1/2/3 Program and look forward to potential regulatory submissions next year." "It's remarkable to see 12 out of 12 patients with baseline HbA1c above 7% and multiple severe hypoglycemic events reach consensus targets for glycemic control by both HbA1c and time in range as well as elimination of severe hypoglycemic events," said Michael R. Rickels, M.D., M.S., Medical Director, Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplant Program, Willard and Rhoda Ware Professor in Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Presenting Author and Steering Committee Co-Chair for the zimislecel clinical program, and author on the New England Journal of Medicine paper. "As I think about my patients and the unmet need in the type 1 diabetes community, the results we've seen so far for restoring endogenous insulin secretion with a stem cell-derived islet therapy bring me hope and confidence for a transformative treatment option for individuals with type 1 diabetes in the not-so-distant future." About Type 1 DiabetesT1D results from the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in pancreatic islets. Insulin deficiency results in hyperglycemia and can lead to acute life-threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. People with T1D are reliant on lifelong treatment with exogenous insulin that requires careful monitoring of blood glucose levels. Even with the availability of advanced exogenous insulin delivery and glucose monitoring systems, people with T1D can have periods of very low and very high blood sugar levels. Exogenous insulin has a narrow therapeutic range and carries an inherent risk of causing low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemic events, which can potentially result in arrhythmias, seizures, coma and even death. Due to the limitations and complexities of exogenous insulin treatment, it can be difficult for people with T1D to achieve and maintain good glucose control. Exposure to prolonged periods of high blood glucose levels, or hyperglycemia, can lead to long-term complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease/failure, eye disease (including vision loss), cardiovascular disease, stroke and even death. HbA1c is a measure of average blood glucose over the most recent ~2-3 months, and the consensus guidance is to maintain an HbA1c of <7% to reduce the risk of long-term complications; only ~1 in 4 people with T1D globally meet this clinical target. Current standards of care do not address the underlying cause of the disease and leave people with T1D susceptible to both hypo- and hyperglycemia and their associated morbidity and mortality. There is no cure for T1D. About ZimislecelZimislecel (VX-880) is an investigational allogeneic stem cell-derived, fully differentiated, insulin-producing islet cell therapy manufactured using proprietary technology. Zimislecel is being evaluated for patients who have T1D with impaired hypoglycemic awareness and severe hypoglycemia. Zimislecel has the potential to restore the body's ability to regulate glucose levels by restoring pancreatic islet cell function, including glucose-responsive insulin production. Zimislecel is delivered by an infusion into the hepatic portal vein and requires chronic immunosuppressive therapy to protect the islet cells from immune rejection. The zimislecel trial has expanded to additional sites that are currently active and enrolling in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Zimislecel has been granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and Fast Track designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and has secured an Innovation Passport under the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Zimislecel is investigational and has not been approved by health authorities globally. About VertexVertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and acute pain, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, primary membranous nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 15 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X. Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, (i) statements by Carmen Bozic, M.D., and Michael R. Rickels, M.D., M.S., in this press release, (ii) plans, expectations for, and the potential benefits of zimislecel, (iii) expectations for the Phase 1/2/3 clinical trial for zimislecel, including expectations for the trial to complete enrollment and dosing, and (iv) plans for potential regulatory submissions next year. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company's beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that data from a limited number of patients may not be indicative of final clinical trial results, that data from the company's research and development programs may not support registration or further development of its potential medicines in a timely manner, or at all, due to safety, efficacy, that timelines for regulatory submissions may be longer than anticipated, and other risks listed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Vertex's most recent annual report and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at and available through the company's website at You should not place undue reliance on these statements, or the scientific data presented. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available. (VRTX-GEN) Investor Event and Webcast Vertex will host an investor event on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. CT/8:15 p.m. ET, in Chicago, to discuss the positive zimislecel data in type 1 diabetes. A live webcast of the presentation and Q&A portions can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of Vertex's website at An archived webcast will be available on the company's website. View source version on Contacts Vertex Pharmaceuticals IncorporatedInvestors: InvestorInfo@ Media: mediainfo@ orInternational: +44 20 3204 5275
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Macron says Europe must become 'space power' again
President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that Europe must again become a global space power, warning that France risked being squeezed out of the global low-orbit satellite constellation market. Macron spoke at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget outside the French capital a day after France more than doubled its stake in satellite operator Eutelsat, the EU rival to Elon Musk's Starlink. Macron called for more investment as the European space industry struggles to remain competitive in the face of US and Chinese rivals. "SpaceX has disrupted the market, Amazon is also getting involved. China is not far behind, and I think we all need to be very clear-headed," Macron said. Europe must become "a space power once again, with France at its heart", he said. He warned that Europeans were "on the verge of being completely" squeezed out of the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation market. Orbiting just a few hundred kilometres above the Earth, low Earth orbit satellite networks can play a crucial role in various fields including telecommunications, emergency response, space exploration, and defence. Growing geopolitical tensions have forced countries to focus on the independence of their satellite infrastructure. Macron said France and its partners should not be reliant on non-European constellations in low orbit, calling it "madness". He called non-European players to team up with France. "This must be the solution for our major strategic partners in the Gulf, India, Canada and Brazil," he said. "We really need to succeed in increasing our collective investment effort," Macron added, noting the importance of private investors and public-private collaboration. He also said France planned to organise a space summit in early 2026 to "mobilise our public and private partners across the globe." As part of the overall deal with other investors worth 1.35 billion euros ($1.5 billion), the French state is set to become Eutelsat's largest shareholder. The European satellite operator is vying to be seen as an alternative to Starlink, as companies in Europe and elsewhere look askance at Musk's manoeuvrings and seek to secure sovereign solutions. Boasting more than 600 satellites since merging with British firm OneWeb in 2023, Eutelsat is the world's second-largest operator of low Earth orbit satellites, behind Starlink. fff-tq-as/ekf/js
CBS News
9 hours ago
- CBS News
NFL linebacker Chad Muma returns to his high school, hosts mini-camp for kids living with Type 1 diabetes
An NFL linebacker who grew up in Colorado returned to the high school he attended on Friday. Chad Muma, who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars, hosted mini-camp for kids living with Type 1 diabetes. It's a cause that's close to his heart; Muma also lives with Type 1 diabetes. It was held at Legend High School in Broomfield. Muma's foundation is called Muma Movement. The camp featured football-inspired skill stations and other activities. The goal was to empower youth living with Type 1 diabetes. "(I want to) let kids know that their condition does not limit them. The diabetes does not limit them or prohibit them from achieving any of the goals that they want to accomplish in their life, whether it's sports or a different profession," Muma said. The camp also included educational sessions for the kids and their caregivers as well.
