Physical activity and type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes, the third leading chronic disease in pediatric population, significantly affects life expectancy and quality of life. Only good metabolic control of the disease, including maintaining target blood glucose levels, will prevent the development of diabetes complications. The basis of treatment consists of insulin, diet and physical activity combined with good education. Patients must understand how the body responds to physical activity, its positive and possible negative effects. Therefore, the patient has to prepare for physical activity taking into account its type and duration, regime of insulin therapy, current blood glucose level and need of carbohydrate replacement. Only in this manner, the patients’ participation in physical activity will be enjoyable with a favorable health effect.