Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Physical activity is essential for the overall health and well‐being of youth, yet maintaining an active lifestyle can be challenging for those with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) due to the complexities of managing blood glucose levels. This study aims to compare the physical activity levels between youth with T1DM and their healthy peers and to evaluate the impact of different insulin administration methods on physical activity. A cross‐sectional comparative study was conducted with 60 participants aged 10‐18 years, including 30 individuals with T1DM and 30 age‐and sex‐matched healthy controls. Participants were recruited from a tertiary care center and local schools in rural India. Physical activity was measured using Acti Graph GT3X+ accelerometers worn for seven consecutive days. Barriers and facilitators to physical activity in T1DM youth were assessed through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with independent t‐tests and chi‐square tests to compare groups. T1DM youth had significantly lower total physical activity (65.4± 20.3 min/day) compared to healthy controls (82.7±22.1 min/day, p= 0.02). Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was also lower in the T1DM group (35.2±15.6 min/day) than in the controls (45.9±18.2 min/day, p=0.03). Sedentary time was higher in the T1DM group (420.7 ±60.5 min/day) compared to the healthy controls (380.3 ± 55.4 min/day, p=0.04). No significant differences in physical activity levels were observed between T1DM youth using insulin pumps and those using multiple injections. Fear of hypoglycemia (60%), lack of time (33.3%) and lack of motivation (26.7%) were the most common barriers to physical activity, while family support (66.7%) and healthcare provider support (60%) were key facilitators. Youth with T1DM engage in less physical activity and more sedentary behavior compared to their healthy peers. The method of insulin administration does not significantly impact physical activity levels. Interventions to increase physical activity in T1DM youth should address barriers such as fear of hypoglycemia and leverage facilitators like family and healthcare provider support.
How to cite this article:
R. Manoj Kumar and Masaraddi Sanjay Krishna. Comparative Analysis of Physical Activity in Type 1 Diabetic and Healthy Youth: Influence of Insulin Administration.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.9.144.148
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.9.144.148