Relation between energy intake and glycemic control in physically active young adults with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

To examine the relationships between daily energy expenditure, energy intake and glycemic control in young adults with type 1 diabetes. Cross-sectional study. Energy expenditure (kcal kg(-1)d(-1)) and duration of participation in physical activity were measured from a 3-d activity diary and categorized according to their intensity on a 1-9 scale. Energy intake was measured by a 3-d food record. Glycemic control was measured using the HbA1c. Energy expenditure and intake were assessed in 35 young adults with type 1 diabetes (age: 28 ± 7 years). Participants with higher energy expenditure from moderate to intense physical activity (categories 6-9) presented higher proportion of energy intake derived from carbohydrate and lower proportion of lipids in the diet with significantly higher HbA(1c) values (7.3 ± 1.0% vs 6.7 ± 0.6%). These results suggest that highly physically active individuals with type 1 diabetes consume more carbohydrates than lipids, a strategy that may affect their glycemic control. Further studies are needed to develop interventions to improve glycemic control in highly active individuals with type 1 diabetes.