Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Author Spotlight: Integrating Tai Chi with Mindfulness Training to Achieve an Effective Mind-Body Exercise
Published on: July 14, 2023
Association between physical activity propensity and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in type 1 diabetes: evidence
Simona Zaccaria1,2, Laura Giurato3, Isabella Nardone3,4
1Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Surgical Sciences, CTO Andrea Alesini Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy. simona.zaccaria@alumni.uniroma2.eu.
Background:
This study aimed to investigate whether recent physical activity (PA), assessed in a real-world outpatient setting, is associated with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Methods:
Sixty-six patients with type 1 diabetes were tested for CAN using cardiovascular reflex tests. PA level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and patients were classified into low, moderate, or high PA groups.
Results:
PA was low in 13 (19.7%), moderate in 19 (28.8%) and high in 34 (51.5%) patients. Fisher's exact test conducted to examine the relationship between PA groups and diabetic CAN categories revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) being absent in 67.7% and early in 29.4% of the patients belonging to the high PA group. In addition, engagement in at least 600 MET minutes per week was independently associated with a lower probability of having CAN (OR = 0.131, 95% CI: 0.017-0.986, p = 0.048).
Conclusions:
Higher levels of self-reported physical activity are associated with a reduced likelihood of CAN in patients with type 1 diabetes. These findings support the importance of promoting regular PA as part of routine diabetes care.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational