Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) improves physical performance and glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Many factors determine access to a normal sporting life and therefore its benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the practice of PA in T1D and the factors influencing it.

Patients and methods: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study including any patient with T1D admitted to the Endocrinology-Diabetology department at Ibn Rochd University Hospital, over the age of 14 and diabetic over 6 months. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS.

Results: A total of 110 patients were included. The average age was 23 years old (14–48 years old). Mean A1c level was 9.2%. Among our patients, 29% practiced a regular sporting activity, 66% of the activities being limited to domestic work and daily life activities. Intensive activities were practiced by 25% of our patients. Only 23% of our patients had received therapeutic education on PA. Glycemic self-monitoring was only assured by 18% of patients. Hypoglycaemia was found in 45% of cases. The occurrence of hyperglycemia was less common. The lack of sports was more frequently related to lack of time (35%), fear of hypoglycaemia (30%), difficulty of access (23%) and limitation of physical capacity (20%).

Conclusion: Our study showed the need for therapeutic education and support for patients to control glycemic variations, wich remains the principal obstacle.