The effect of walking before and after breakfast on blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes treated with intensive insulin therapy

Abstract

Objective: We examined the effect of walking at different timing on carbohydrate metabolism in patients with type 1 diabetes. Subjects and Methods: Subjects included six non-obese patients treated with intensive insulin therapy. The blood glucose profile was determined with and without walking for 30 min before (ExBM) or after (ExAM) breakfast. Results: Mean blood glucose values at 07:00 h in the control, ExBM, and ExAM were 9.0, 8.0, 8.8 mM, respectively. Glucose levels gradually increased after meals up to 13.6, 15.0, and 15.3 mM, respectively, at 09:00 h (0.5 h after meals). At 09:30 h, glucose levels significantly fell to 11.0 mM during walking in the ExAM (P=0.039 vs 09:00 h values). The area under blood glucose response curve was significantly lower only in the ExAM when compared with that in the control (P=0.043) (11.8, 17.8. and 3.8 h mM in the control, ExBM and ExAM, respectively). Conclusion: These results might suggest that walking after meals improves glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes being treated with intensive insulin therapy consisting of the basal-bolus (NPH-human regular) insulin regimen.