Impact of resistance exercise in type 1 diabetes pediatric patients

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune condition whose prevalence isprominent in children and adolescents, resulting in insulin deficiency with apotential for long-term complications induced by glucotoxicity. As an autoim-mune disease where the body's immune system attack insulin-producing betacells in the pancreas, leading up to complete or near-complete inability to controlthe blood glucose levels independently. The lack of glycemic control calls forlifelong exogenous insulin administration in conjunction with careful monitoringto control blood sugar levels and prevent acute and chronic health issues com-plications. Regular physical activity, notably resistance exercise (RE), may bebeneficial in the glycemic management of this population, enhancement of musclestrength, and general health for the growing, development and maturation inchildren. The evidence depicting its benefits and safeguard for RE in pediatricT1DM patients remains underexamined. This mini-review seeks to synthesizequalitatively the current evidence on RE regarding its global effects on the T1DMin children. A search for peer-reviewed papers is carried out through primarydatabases, centering on publications that examined the physiological, metabolic,and psychosocial consequences of RE in children with T1DM. Emerging evidenceindicates that RE is one potential method of safe and efficacious intervention toimprove glycemic management, physical capacity, and quality of life. However,there is still some reluctance to this type of training in the pediatric population.The available research has not only refuted the belief that strength training wascontraindicated in the pediatric population but also recommends its systematicpractice to enjoy its benefits on the three spheres of health. Nevertheless, method-ological differences and small population studies pose challenges to drawing firm conclusions. The review underscores other areas, including the need for standardizing protocols for includingpatients such as follow-ups and greater considerations for psychosocial effects of RE in this population. Thisminireview underlines the importance of RE in a global approach to pediatric diabetes care by providing practicalinsight for both clinicians and researchers.