Exercise testing with special reference to children with diabetes mellitus

The purpose of exercise testing in diabetes mellitus is to examine physical fitness and to motivate the patient to perform physical activity as a valuable part of the treatment. Different types of tests and ergometry are presented. The stepwise increase of workload at submaximal levels is recommended for diabetics as an annual test. Maximal exercise is of value in determining the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) = the aerobic capacity, maximal heart rate and systolic blood pressure.