Effect of low to moderate intensity walking and cycling on glycaemic and metabolic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus adolescent males: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by an autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, i.e., the immune system destroys the special cells that make and secrete insulin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of 12 weeks exercise programme on glycaemic and metabolic control in T1DM adolescents. METHODS: Twenty-four T1DM adolescent males (12-16 y) were randomised into an exercise (n=12) and control group (n=12). Twelve weeks of exercise programme was administered to the exercise group. Two patients, one in each group discontinued training. Training intensity was 40-60% of maximum heart rate for a duration 60 min, 3 times a week. RESULTS: No significant improvement was seen in HbA-{1c} (P=0.598), low density lipoprotein (P=0.264), high density lipoprotein (P=0.276) and triglycerides (P=0.490) in the exercise group but significant improvement was observed in insulin dose (P=0.000) and total cholesterol (P=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of closely supervised exercise programme enhanced reduction in insulin dose and lowered the total cholesterol T1DM adolescent male and could be recommended as a part of the management of T1DM.