ABSTRACT
Physical activities have beneficial effects on type 1 diabetes patients, who are often exempted from sport activities, due to general concerns about the possible side effects of diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8-weeks of regular physical activity on blood glucose, body fat percent, maximal oxygen uptake [Vo2max] and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in type 1 diabetes patients. Twenty non-active patients, ranging in age from 15-25 years, participated in an 8-week regular physical activity program. Training consisted of 45-60 minutes aerobic exercises [60-80% Heart rate reserve] three times a week. Blood samples, body fat percent, maximal oxygen uptake were obtained before and after the 8-week training period. The fasting blood glucose, HDL-c, LDL-c levels and BMI did not change [p>0/05], but the BF%, TG, BPs, BPd and HR rest levels decreased and Vo2max level increased [p<0/05]. Eight weeks of regular physical activity had a positive effect on some physiological factors [BF%, TG, BPs, BPd, HR of rest and Vo2max] but had no effect on other factors such as fasting blood glucose, HDL-c, LDL-c and BMI