Advantages of physical activity of varying intensity for patients with type 1 diabetes and its influence on glucose metabolism

Abstract

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have many benefits from regular exercise, including improved quality of life, lower blood pressure, improved lipid profile, increased insulin sensitivity, decreased insulin dose requirements, improved endothelial function, and reduced risk of micro- and macrovascular complications, as well as overall mortality. Despite these benefits, T1DM patients often do not get enough physical activity (PA) and are less physically active than their non-diabetic peers. The main reason for the low PA in patients with T1DM is the difficulty of glycemic management and the fear of developing hypoglycemia during exercise. Different types of training, such as moderate to high intensity exercise, high intensity interval training, have different effects on glycemic activity during exercise, which can be used to prevent the development of hypoglycemic reactions during and after exercise, along with carbohydrate intake and insulin dose adjustment. Higher-intensity exercise, as well as greater frequency and duration, are associated with a greater reduction in the risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality. Regular physical activity has a positive effect on reducing the risk of micro- and macrovascular complications, general and cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes, regardless of the quality of glycemic control, which can be used for prevention of T1DM complications.