title: The role of free-play physical activity in healthy blood glucose maintenance in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
abstract: Medical management for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, including insulin administration to control high blood glucose levels (BGL), is crucial. However, a child-controlled behavioural strategy, like physical activity, to maintain target BGL may be warranted. To demonstrate, pre- and post-activity BGL were collected for 73 children aged 8- to 14-years attending a diabetes camp. Change in BGL across one session of a free-play swimming activity was analysed. Average BGL was significantly reduced from 197.18 mg/dl to 177.78 mg/dl across one 45 min session, and male gender predicted larger reductions. With safety precautions and within the context of appropriate medical management, free-play activity could be used as a strategy for maintaining target BGL.
authors.affiliation: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037, USA. sonia.marrone@und.nodak.edu
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marrone
authors.forename: Jessica White
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Plume
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pignol
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vogeltanz-Holm
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Holm
authors.forename: Margo Adams
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Larsen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose