Increase in physical activity is associated with lower HbA1c levels in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Results from a cross-sectional study based on the Swedish pediatric diabetes quality registry (SWEDIABKIDS)

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the associations between physical activity (PA) and metabolic control, measured by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), in a large group of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of data from 4655 patients, comparing HbA1c values with levels of physical activity. The data for the children and adolescents were obtained from the Swedish pediatric diabetes quality registry, SWEDIABKIDS. The patients were 7-18 years of age, had type 1 diabetes and were not in remission. Patients were grouped into five groups by frequency of PA. Results: Mean HbA1c level was higher in the least physically active groups (PA0: 8.8%. ±. 1.5 (72. ±. 16. mmol/mol)) than in the most physically active groups (PA4: 7.7%. ±. 1.0 (60. ±. 11. mmol/mol)) (p