Physical activity in cystic fibrosis related diabetes

Abstract

Background: Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD) is a significant complication of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) with prevalence increasing with age. Regular physical activity (PA) is important for people with CF conferring improved clinical and health outcomes. To date, the relationship between levels of PA and the development and management of CFRD is limited in CF. Aim: To describe PA levels in adults with CF, with and without CFRD. Methods: Retrospective review of data collected at 3 tertiary CF centres in Australia. Adults with CF ≥17 years, in stable health, contributed data for this analysis. CFRD status (CFRD; Impaired glucose tolerance (GT); Indeterminate GT; and normal GT) were classified according to standard guidelines. Adherence to PA guidelines was classified as reporting ≥150mins of at least moderate PA/week with PA frequency ≥5. Results: 154 adults with CF (n=85 male) mean (SD) age 28 (9) years and FEV1 64 (22) %predicted provided self-report of PA. Thirty-nine individuals (n=23 male; FEV1 56 (21)%predicted) had CFRD; n=9 impaired GT; n=4 indeterminate GT, and n=102 normal GT. 61 individuals (40%) reported undertaking PA of sufficient frequency and duration to meet PA guidelines. Only n=12 (31%) individuals with CFRD self-reported PA sufficient to meet guidelines. FEV1 was not different between those with CFRD who did and did not report PA to meet guidelines (p=0.9) Conclusions: A minority of individuals with CF met guidelines for PA. Only a third with CFRD reported sufficient PA to meet guidelines. Further analysis of the impact of PA on the development of glucose intolerance (impaired GT and CFRD) may provide empirical evidence for providing advice on PA.