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30 minutes of walking, running, and aerobics can give type-1 diabetics their life back
A new study reveals 30 minutes of budget-friendly exercise like walking, running and aerobics can be suitable for people living with type-1 diabetes, helping give patients their lives back.
Type-1 diabetes causes people to make many life adjustments, and new smart insulin could revolutionize treatment, as well as recent research showing the best types of exercise for patients – but it can vary depending on your gender.
Exercise for type-1 diabetes patients depends on gender
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects the insulin-making cells of the pancreas. This occurs when people don’t make enough insulin, an important hormone produced by the pancreas, which the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy, according to Mayo Clinic.
People with type-1 diabetes can exercise and do sports, but extra steps must be taken to do it safely since exercise can affect blood glucose levels and the type of activity could cause blood glucose levels to rise or drop.
Recent research led by the Universidade Federal do Vale do S�o Francisco in partnership with Staffordshire University investigated training optimization for diabetic patients. The study revealed the best types of exercise for patients with type-1 diabetes.
The findings show gender-specific differences are important when prescribing fitness exercise for patients with type-1 diabetes, to avoid higher glucose decreases which can cause hypoglycemia episodes (low blood sugar).
Results showed that for male patients, interval exercise, such as short bursts of walking, is preferable when starting with low blood sugar levels. On the contrary, continuous exercise, like running, is more suitable for those with higher initial blood sugar levels.
Research looked at 30-minute exercise for male and females
The research involved 19 people with type-1 diabetes who participated in two randomized trials to measure glycemic and cardiovascular responses after interval exercise and continuous exercise.
All participants took part in 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise on a treadmill. The interval aerobic session involved alternating 1-minute intervals at 40% and 60% of estimated maximal oxygen consumption.
Heart rate, blood pressure and blood glucose levels were measured before, immediately after, and 20 minutes after the sessions. Rates of perceived exertion and enjoyment levels were also assessed.
Similar cardiovascular, rates of perceived exertion (how difficult or intense a physical activity feels) and enjoyment levels were found across genders and sessions.
However, the research identified differences in blood glucose levels between male and female participants, with greater reductions in men.
For female patients, both interval and continuous aerobic exercise appear to be effective starting points. Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines.
Continuous exercise training involves intensity levels maintained at a steady state, while during interval training there are alternating bouts of exercise and recovery and rest.
Dr Pooya Soltani from Staffordshire University explained that “diabetic patients often lack motivation to exercise as a means of managing their condition”. This is because “physical activity can lead to blood sugar drops, causing discomfort and demotivation”, highlighting the importance of investigating whether the type of physical activity could mitigate blood sugar drops.
