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Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, physical activity, and death
C S Moy1, T J Songer, R E LaPorte
1Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, PA.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Physical activity may benefit individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Higher activity levels correlate with fewer complications and reduced mortality risk, suggesting a positive impact on longevity for diabetes patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical activity benefits are established in the general population.
- Limited data exists on physical activity's impact for individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and mortality risk in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
- To assess the association between physical activity and diabetic complications.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 548 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was surveyed for physical activity in 1981.
- Mortality data was collected through January 1, 1988.
- Cox proportional hazards analysis controlled for confounders; comparisons were made with non-diabetic sibling controls.
Main Results:
- Physical activity level varied inversely with the occurrence of diabetic complications.
- Higher overall physical activity was inversely related to mortality risk.
- Sedentary males had a threefold higher mortality risk compared to active males; a similar trend was observed in females.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity is not detrimental to mortality risk in diabetes patients.
- Physical activity may confer a beneficial effect on longevity for individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
- Activity levels were comparable between diabetes patients and their non-diabetic siblings.