Barriers to Active Lifestyles in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the main barriers to active lifestyles in children with type 1 diabetes based on known barriers in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Children with type 1 diabetes (n=201) recruited from the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Diabetes Clinic answered a specific questionnaire, the Barriers to Physical Activity in Type 1 Diabetes (BAPAD1), which assesses perceived barriers and parental support in the children's adoption of active lifestyles.

Results: In younger individuals (those younger than 12 years of age), the highest barrier scores were loss of control of diabetes, fear of hypoglycemia, work schedule and external temperature. In the older group (those ≥12 years of age), fear of hypoglycemia, external temperature, loss of control of diabetes and low fitness levels were the most important. Greater parental support was associated with lower overall barrier scores in younger and older children alike (r=-0.71 and r=-0.65, respectively; p<0.001).

Conclusions: There are some differences in barriers to active lifestyles between younger and older children with type 1 diabetes. Parental support appears to be the key to active lifestyles in their children.

Keywords: activité physique; barriers; diabète de type 1; enfants plus jeunes et plus vieux; obstacles; physical activity; type 1 diabetes; younger and older children.