A recent study has revealed that exercise can have different effects on blood glucose levels depending on gender for individuals with type 1 diabetes. While both men and women experienced similar cardiovascular benefits from exercise, men showed greater reductions in blood sugar levels compared to women.
Conducted with 19 participants who have type 1 diabetes, the study examined the impact of two types of aerobic exercise on glycemic and cardiovascular responses. Participants engaged in either interval aerobic sessions, which alternated between 1-minute intervals at 40% and 60% of their estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), or continuous exercise at a steady 50% VO2max. The researchers monitored key health indicators including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels before, immediately after, and 20 minutes following each exercise session. Additionally, they assessed participants’ perceived exertion and enjoyment during the workouts.
The findings indicated that cardiovascular responses and enjoyment were similar across genders. However, significant differences were noted in blood glucose levels. Men experienced greater reductions in blood glucose immediately after and 20 minutes following continuous aerobic exercise, as well as immediately after interval exercise. Conversely, women only saw a decrease in blood glucose following continuous exercise.
Dr. Jorge Luiz de Brito-Gomes from Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco suggested that men with type 1 diabetes might benefit more from interval exercises, like short bursts of walking, when starting with lower blood sugar levels. Continuous exercises, such as running, are recommended for those starting with higher blood sugar levels to prevent sudden drops. Women, on the other hand, can effectively use both interval and continuous aerobic exercises regardless of their initial blood glucose levels.
The study’s authors hope these insights will encourage healthcare providers to tailor exercise recommendations based on gender for individuals with type 1 diabetes, particularly for men with inconsistent physical activity patterns.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body produces little to no insulin, typically diagnosed in children and young adults but can occur at any age. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), approximately 95,600 children under the age of 14 in India were affected by type 1 diabetes in 2022. This widespread disorder leads to elevated blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production, causing glucose to remain in the bloodstream rather than being absorbed by cells.
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