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Physical Activity in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: a Review

  • Psychosocial Aspects (S Jaser and KK Hood, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Youth with type 1 diabetes are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease, and regular physical activity is strongly recommended as one strategy for prevention, as well as for good glycemic control. Despite recommendations, families in this pediatric population face unique barriers to physical activity, including fear of hypoglycemia. Moreover, families are not routinely counseled in the specific health and psychosocial benefits of following physical activity recommendations for youth with type 1 diabetes. To bridge this gap, the recent literature regarding physical activity in children with type 1 diabetes is reviewed with particular focus on young children. A discussion of the limitations of the current body of research, and recommendations for objectively measured physical activity are provided. Specific recommendations for clinical practice are given, including provider endorsements for regular physical activity for longer than 60 minutes, at least three times a week.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Translational Research, Children’s National Medical Center, 111 N. Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA

    Carrie Tully, Laura Aronow, Eleanor Mackey & Randi Streisand

  2. Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA

    Eleanor Mackey & Randi Streisand

Authors
  1. Carrie Tully
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  2. Laura Aronow
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  3. Eleanor Mackey
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  4. Randi Streisand
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Correspondence to Carrie Tully.

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Carrie Tully, Laura Aronow, Eleanor Mackey, and Randi Streisand declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Tully, C., Aronow, L., Mackey, E. et al. Physical Activity in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: a Review. Curr Diab Rep 16, 85 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-016-0779-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-016-0779-6

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