Exercise and the type I diabetic

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Authors
Howell, Kandy L.
Advisor
Issue Date
1987
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
School of Physical Education
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Exercise has long been considered an important component in the management of diabetes due to its glucose lowering effect. The purpose of this project was to establish a set of guidelines on how to safely exercise a Type I diabetic. Once the guidelines were established, an exercise and educational program was designed and implemented to test the validity of the proposed guidelines. Four college-age Type I diabetics participated in the exercise program. Prior to conditioning, each subject underwent a through physiological evaluation including: a Quiet Test (resting HR and B/P, blood lipid levels, and resting 12-lead ECG) and analysis of oxygen uptake. Following the testing period, the subjects entered a 12-week run-walk-run program. The subjects trained four days per week at 75% of heart rate reserve. Blood glucose levels were assessed before, during, and after exercise to help maintain metabolic control. Educational sessions were conducted on such topics as proper injection sites, nutrition, and the benefits of exercise. At the end of the 12-weeks, the quiet test and oxygen uptake test were repeated to assess for changes in physical conditioning. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were not found between any of the components pre and post training. However, most of the components did show positive trends from pre to post training values. Greatest improvements were seen in % body fat (decreasing 7%), ratio of TC/HDL (decreasing 9%), and resting heart rate (decreasing by 14%). This study concluded that the proposed guidelines were safe and effective in aerobically training the Type I diabetic. The design of the aerobic conditioning program was found to improve the physical condition of the subjects, and to diminish the risks for vascular disease.

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