ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Regular exercise is recommended to diabetic patients in addition to dietary restrictions and drug therapy. We have studied whether health related quality of life (HRQOL) can be improved by a regular physical training program. METHODS: 23 otherwise healthy patients with history of type 1 diabetes for 20 +/- 10 years were included. 15 patients (age: 41 +/- 2 years) participated in an aerobic physical training program over 4 months and 8 patients (33 +/- 11 years) served as a control group. HRQOL was assessed by a validated questionnaire (MOS SF-36). Tests were carried out at baseline and after 4 months. RESULTS: Physical training increased peak oxygen uptake (VO2max) by 27 +/- 13% after 4 months (p = 0.04) in the training group. There was no significant change in hand or leg isometric muscle strength. All HRQOL scales improved in the training group with significantly higher (p < 0.04) Social Functioning and Vitality scores, respectively. Moreover, insulin requirements decreased during physical training program (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that physical exercise training in patients with type I diabetes mellitus improves metabolic control and various aspects of HRQOL. Besides enhanced cardiorespiratory capacity, this is an important subjective benefit in patients with longstanding insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus.
