Use of Clinical Practice Recommendations for Exercise by Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

PURPOSE The purposes of this study were to determine the extent to which physically active individuals with type 1 diabetes actually follow exercise recommendations and to compare their use of current with previous recommendations. METHODS A questionnaire was developed consisting of the American Diabetes Association's current clinical practice recommendations for exercise and some previous recommendations. The questionnaire was mailed to approximately 1700 members of the International Diabetic Athletes Association; responses from 238 questionnaires were included in the results. Respondents indicated to what extent they currently use all of these recommendations and any modifications that they employ. RESULTS The responses indicated that individuals with type 1 diabetes closely followed the majority of the current clinical exercise recommendations and did so to a greater extent than previous ones. Individuals' specific modifications to the current recommendations are summarized. CONCLUSIONS The current clinical practice recommendations are used by exercisers with diabetes and are followed more closely than previous ones. The significant number of reported modifications made by individuals indicates, however, that a substantial need still exists to modify and individualize the recommendations.