ARS | Publication request: Physical activity in youth with well-controlled versus poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

Submitted to: Journal of Clinical Pediatrics
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2011
Publication Date: March 28, 2012
Citation: Guillory, I.K., Cullen, K.W., Thompson, D.J., Watson, K.W. 2012. Physical activity in youth with well-controlled versus poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Journal of Clinical Pediatrics. 51(4):354-358.

Interpretive Summary: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of youth developing type 2 diabetes in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between glucose control and physical activity in a sample of youth with type 2 diabetes. The study was performed by the methods of a questionnaire and blood samples. Our results showed that youth surveyed engaged in significantly less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to the recommendation. The existing guidelines are for American youth to attain at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. We believe that if study participants had reached the recommended daily activity level, more participants would have achieved better control. Further research is needed to identify ways to increase the amount of physical activity among youth with type 2 diabetes.

Technical Abstract: Type 2 diabetes increases risk of chronic disease. The existing guidelines are for American youth to attain at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity (PA). Fewer than 20% achieve this goal. This study examines differences between blood glucose control and PA in youth with type 2 diabetes during clinical visits. Average daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was calculated. Differences in MVPA were investigated. Youth with well-controlled diabetes engaged in slightly less MVPA than those whose diabetes was not in control. There were no significant differences in minutes of MVPA by gender, race, or diabetes control. The conclusions are that it is necessary to identify ways to increase PA among youth with type 2 diabetes.