P238 Exercise and activities undertaken by children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)

AimsA physically active lifestyle helps with managing diabetes by improving cardiovascular fitness, increasing insulin sensitivity, improving school performance, cognition, and enhancing quality of life. However, despite efforts to promote an active lifestyle, a significant proportion of children with T1DM remain inactive. The aim of this study was to examine exercise and activities undertaken by young people with T1DM.MethodsThe study was a regional level observational clinical trial within the University Hospital Limerick T1DM outpatient clinic, focusing on self-reporting of activity using the Children’s sport participation and physical activity study (CSPPA) questionnaire. Questionnaires were completed between June and August 2018 and analysed using SPSS statistical software.Results55 children completed the survey. 55% of respondents were female and age range was from 5 – 17 years, with all respondents being diagnosed a minimum of 2 years previously. 64% of respondents were based in a rural location. Almost two-thirds of respondents undertook between 60 and 180 min of physical activity per weekday. 83% of respondents watched television with one-third watching daily. 57% of respondents used computers with two-thirds daily. 20% of respondents used a mobile phone with one-third using daily. 83% of respondents travelled to school by car or bus with two-thirds living within 5k of school. The most common reason for using a car or bus was for road safety reasons with only 4% stating becoming hypoglycaemic was an issue.ConclusionThe results from this study show that there was a variable level of activity amongst children with T1DM. The majority watched television on a daily basis while most were transported to school on the basis of road safety. Future work in this area should be to further promote undertaking activity, including the provision of schemes to help promote activities such as walking or cycling to school.