Abstract
The onset of type 1 diabetes coincides with the final phase of β-cell destruction.
In some cases, this period is characterized by the presence of a functional reserve
of β-cells, favouring an adequate metabolic control (honeymoon phase). Therefore,
the extension of this situation could have evident benefits in subsequent diabetes
management. We aimed to study the influence of regular physical activity before and
after the onset of the disease. We did an observational study of 2 groups of type
1 diabetic patients from onset to a 2-year period. One group (n=8) exercised regularly
(5 or more hours/week) before onset and continued doing so with the same regularity.
The second group (n=11) either did not perform physical activity or did so sporadically.
Circulating glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide, protein carbonyls and basal cytokine levels were determined at the beginning
and at the end of the 1st and 2nd year. The more active group debuted with and maintained significantly lower HbA1c levels and insulin requirements compared to the more sedentary group. C-peptide levels
were only significantly higher in the active group at the moment of onset compared
to the sedentary group. In addition, determination of basal circulating cytokines
revealed a large variability between individuals but no significant differences when
comparing the groups. Altogether, the obtained results seem to indicate that physical
activity allows a better control at the moment of onset regarding glycaemic control,
residual endocrine pancreatic mass and subsequent insulin requirements.
Key words
C-peptide - β-cell mass - glycated haemoglobin - inflammation
