In a nutshell
This study examined the effect of physical activity on the development and progression of kidney disease in type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Some background
Long-term hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) can result in many complications for diabetics. Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive kidney disease whereby the blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged. This reduces the ability of the kidneys to function. It is believed that low physical activity increases the risk of diabetic complications. High physical activity may lower this risk.
Methods & findings
The authors aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity on the development of kidney disease in T1D.
This study involved 1,390 patients (48.5% male, 51.1% female). The average duration of diabetes was 20.4 years. Patients completed questionnaires over a 10 year period. Physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking were assessed. Physical activity (low, moderate and high) was recorded as hours of physical activity per week. The total amount of activity, intensity and frequency were assessed. Blood pressure and HbA1c (average blood glucose levels in previous three months) were measured.
Albumin is a protein which appears in the urine during kidney disease. The amount of albumin was used to indicate the progression of kidney disease. The progression rate was assessed based on increases in albumin levels.
There was no association between the total amount of physical activity and the progression of kidney disease. However, physical activity of a higher intensity was associated with a lower rate of progression (13.1%) in comparison to low intensity physical activity (24%). Frequent exercise reduced the progression of kidney disease in comparison to less frequent exercise.
The bottom line
This study concluded that frequent and high intensity physical activity reduces the progression of kidney disease.
The fine print
The results may have been influenced by patients self-reporting the level of physical activity.
What’s next?
Consult your physician about the possibility of developing a high intensity exercise plan.
Published By :
Diabetologia
Date :
Jan 30, 2015
