Type 1 diabetes occurs when a person's own immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells sense blood glucose and produce the hormone insulin, which regulates glucose and converts it to energy. Formerly called 'juvenile onset diabetes', type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and young adults. It accounts for 10 to15 per cent of people with diabetes.
Controlling blood glucose (glycaemia) in diabetic patients can help prevent complications associated with the disease. People with type 1 diabetes often need three or more insulin injections a day or treatment with an insulin pump, as well as careful monitoring of blood glucose and attention to diet and exercise, to properly control their blood glucose.
Physical activity has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels and to increase insulin sensitivity in people with and without diabetes. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular fitness and quality of life in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have also investigated whether exercise has an impact on glycaemia. They found that children who performed less physical activity per week had higher levels of a protein indicating blood glucose problems than those who engaged in more regular exercise.
The researchers concluded that regular physical activity should be recommended in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Reference:
Herbst A, Bachran R, Kapellen T, Holl RW (2006) Effects of regular physical activity on control of glycemia in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 160:573-577.
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