Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) affects over 2,500 children in Ireland. Insulin replacement is the mainstay of treatment for T1D, and physical activity (PA) is an important, modifiable lifestyle factor for sustaining health. Surveillance of PA for both research and clinical purposes in paediatric T1D has been limited. This study deployed both quantitative (accelerometry) and qualitative (self-report) measures to assess habitual PA patterns in children with T1D. Twenty-one participants (9 females, 12 males) between 10 and 17 years (mean 13.7 ± 1.94 years) were recruited from an Outpatients Paediatric Diabetes Clinic. Total steps, standing time (minutes (mins)) and sitting time (mins) were recorded using the activPAL 3 microactivity monitor. Clinical parameters (HbA1c, insulin regimen, and weight centiles) were measured. A self-report diary was used to measure perceived activity levels. The findings of this study show that participant children with T1D are not achieving the required steps per day to sustain physical health (recommended minimum 11,500). Females (mean = 7,306 steps ± 5,468) achieved significantly less (p = 0.001) steps per day compared to males (10,806 steps ± 5,904). No significant differences were found between genders for sitting time or standing time. Overweight or obesity was identified in 44% of female participants and 15% of male participants. Mean HbA1c for both females 8.25% (67 mmol/mol) and males 7.97% (64 mmol/mol) was above the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) recommended <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) for children. Further research is warranted to investigate PA promotion strategies in populations of children with paediatric T1D.
Highlights
The purpose of this research was to pilot methodologies for further empirical research examining physical activity (PA) behaviours in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D)
Mean HbA1c level for both female and male participants is above the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) recommended level < 7% (53 mmol/mol)
There is internationally accepted consensus on the importance of PA and exercise management for children with T1D, the results of this study show that this cohort of children with T1D is not achieving the recommended targets for living a physically active life with T1D
Summary
The purpose of this research was to pilot methodologies for further empirical research examining PA behaviours in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). T1D is a common, chronic, life-long illness with multifaceted considerations for the physical, psychological, and social implications associated with living with the condition [1]. Whilst insulin is the cornerstone of management for T1D [2], additional nonpharmacological interventions promote positive clinical, psychological, and social outcomes for chronic disease management [3]. There is a substantial amount of scientific evidence promoting the physical and psychological health benefits associated with living a physically active lifestyle [3–7]. Increased PA levels have been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, bone health, and blood lipid profiles; reduce blood pressure; increase insulin sensitivity; and reduce the risk of comorbidities associated with sedentary lifestyles [3–7]. The World Health Organization has issued a global plan on PA (2018–2030) [3] that calls on member states to increase mass participation in PA and reduce sedentary behaviour.
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