Exercise: improving control of blood glucose levels and reducing cardiovascular disease risk in type 1 diabetics

This study examined whether exercise is beneficial in improving control of blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetics.  

Exercise is known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels which can lead to heart failure or stroke) in the general population and in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Exercise also improves control of blood glucose levels in T2D patients. However, it is uncertain as to whether exercise improves control of blood glucose levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

This study aimed to determine whether exercise was associated with improved outcomes for T1D patients.

This study involved 18028 adults with T1D. Participants were divided into three groups. One group did not perform physical activity throughout the week. One group performed physical activity once or twice a week. The remaining group performed physical activity more than twice a week.

The HbA1c (average blood glucose levels over three months) was lower in participants who performed more exercise (a decrease of 0.36%) when exercise was performed more than twice a week compared to no exercise. Diabetic ketoacidosis (a condition that occurs when the cells of the body do not get enough glucose for energy and the body begins to burn fat) occurred significantly less often in participants that exercised more regularly.

Body mass index (BMI – measure of body fat based on weight and height) was lower (-0.39 kg/m²) in participants who performed exercise more than twice a week compared to no exercise. Blood pressure was lower (-0.27 mmHg) in those who exercised more often. Diabetic eye disease and diabetic kidney disease were lower in those who exercised more often. There was no difference in the frequency of severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose levels) between groups.

This study concluded that regular exercise can improve control of blood glucose levels and can reduce the risk of diabetic complications and cardiovascular disease.

The level of exercise performed was not recorded and the study relied on participants providing truthful information regarding how often exercise was performed.

Consult your physician regarding the benefits of physical exercise.