Reduced physical fitness in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate motor performance and cardiorespiratory function in youths with type 1 diabetes in comparison with age-matched control groups and to analyze the influence of physical activity level, anthropometric and physical fitness parameters on long-term metabolic control.

Methods: 106 youths with diabetes and 130 healthy youths aged 8-18 were assessed by the Eurofit test regarding motor performances, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), skinfold thickness, and body mass index. Physical activity level was assessed through the use of questionnaires. Predictors of physical fitness and metabolic control were determined with regression analysis.

Results: There were no differences either in body composition or in physical activity level, but younger girls with diabetes had impaired results in speed of upper limb movement, abdominal muscle strength, upper body strength, running speed, and VO2max ; older girls with diabetes had poor results in speed of upper limb movement, abdominal muscle strength, upper body strength and VO2max . Younger boys with diabetes had impaired results in speed of upper limb movement, flexibility, static strength of hand, and abdominal muscle strength; and older boys with diabetes had poor results in speed of upper limb movement, flexibility, abdominal muscle strength, upper body strength, and VO2max compared with control groups. Older age, female gender, lower physical activity level, and higher HbA1c were significant independent predictors of poorer VO2max. Better VO2max proved to be the single predictor of favorable HbA1c .

Conclusions: Youths with diabetes have reduced fitness parameters. Efforts should be carried out to improve physical fitness as part of treatment and care of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.