The role of free-play physical activity in healthy blood glucose maintenance in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

• Published in: Psychology, health & medicine Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 48 - 52
• Main Authors: Marrone, Sonia, White Plume, Jessica, Kerr, Patrick, Pignol, Anna, Vogeltanz-Holm, Nancy, Holm, Jeffrey, Adams Larsen, Margo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 01.01.2009; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Blood; blood glucose; Blood Glucose - analysis; Child; Children; diabetes management; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - therapy; Diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance; Disease management; Endocrine pancreas. Apud cells (diseases); Endocrinopathies; Etiopathogenesis. Screening. Investigations. Target tissue resistance; Exercise - physiology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Glucose; Humans; Illness and personality; Male; Medical sciences; Personality, behavior and health; Physical activity; Play and Playthings; Psychology and medicine; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; type 1 diabetes; Type 1 diabetes mellitus; Endocrinopathy; Human; Physical exercise; Immunopathology; Autoimmune disease; Glucose; Sport; Swimming(sport); School age; Type 1 diabetes; Adolescent; Child; Therapeutic role
• ISSN: 1354-8506; 1465-3966
• DOI: 10.1080/13548500801983066

Medical management for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, including insulin administration to control high blood glucose levels (BGL), is crucial. However, a child-controlled behavioural strategy, like physical activity, to maintain target BGL may be warranted. To demonstrate, pre- and post-activity BGL were collected for 73 children aged 8- to 14-years attending a diabetes camp. Change in BGL across one session of a free-play swimming activity was analysed. Average BGL was significantly reduced from 197.18 mg/dl to 177.78 mg/dl across one 45 min session, and male gender predicted larger reductions. With safety precautions and within the context of appropriate medical management, free-play activity could be used as a strategy for maintaining target BGL.