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Exercise tolerance is lower in type I diabetics compared with normal young men
P R Ramires1, C L Forjaz, M E Silva
1Physical Education School, Endocrinology Unit, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Diabetic individuals exhibit reduced exercise tolerance and higher glucose levels when not taking insulin for 12 hours. However, intense exercise to exhaustion can lower blood glucose in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) affects metabolic regulation.
- Understanding exercise responses in diabetics is crucial for management.
- Prolonged exercise impacts glucose and hormone levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate metabolic and hormonal changes during exhaustive exercise in IDDM patients.
- To compare exercise tolerance between diabetic and healthy individuals.
- To assess the effect of 12-hour insulin withdrawal on exercise response.
Main Methods:
- Study included 16 healthy controls and 15 IDDM subjects with 12-hour insulin withdrawal.
- Subjects performed cycle ergometer exercise to exhaustion at 55-60% VO2max.
- Measured glucose, lactate, free fatty acids (FFA), prolactin, C-peptide, glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone (GH).
Main Results:
- Diabetic subjects had significantly lower exercise tolerance (66 vs. 117 minutes) and higher initial glucose.
- Exhaustive exercise significantly decreased glycemia in diabetics but not controls.
- FFA levels were higher in controls at exhaustion; prolactin and C-peptide were lower in diabetics.
Conclusions:
- IDDM patients show diminished exercise capacity after 12 hours without insulin.
- Exhaustive exercise can lead to a reduction in serum glucose levels in insulin-dependent diabetics.
- Metabolic and hormonal profiles differ significantly during exercise in IDDM.