Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Physical activity helps improve physical performance and glycemic balance in type 1 diabetics. Furthermore, these patients encounter obstacles to accessing a normal sporting life and therefore its benefits.

Objectives of the study: To evaluate the practice of physical activity (PA) among T1D people, their knowledge in terms of therapeutic adaptation and the obstacles facing its practice.

Material and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study including adolescent T1D patients followed at the consultation in the endocrinology-diabetology department at Ibn Rochd University Hospital. During an interview, patients responded to a questionnaire consisting mainly of closed questions.

Results: Our study included 225 patients. The mean age was 16.9 years (14–18 years). The average HbA1c was 9.2%. Among our patients, 46% practiced regular sports activity as part of the school program, and only 19% practiced PA outside of school. Our patients had benefited from therapeutic education on PA in 23%. Our patients were reluctant to exercise by choice in 44% due to fear of hypoglycemia. Concerning treatment adaptations, the majority of patients resorted to reducing the doses of rapid insulin. Blood glucose self-monitoring was only ensured in 18% of patients. Hypoglycemia was found in 45% of cases, including 4% severe hypoglycemia. The occurrence of hyperglycemia was less frequent.

Conclusion: Our study showed the need for therapeutic education and patient support for better self-management of treatment, given that glycemic variations represent the main obstacle.