Physical activity level and body composition among adults with Type 1 diabetes

Aims Physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle and contributes to prevent weight gain and cardiometabolic disorders. Adults with Type 1 diabetes are at risk of weight gain attributable to various factors, including a high prevalence of sedentary lifestyle related to fear of exercise‐induced hypoglycaemia. This project aims to observe the association between physical activity level and body composition in adults with Type 1 diabetes. Methods Cross‐sectional study; 75 adults with and 75 adults without diabetes (52% men; 41.8 ± 11.8 years old) wore a motion sensor for 1 week and performed a cardiorespiratory fitness test on an ergocycle (VO_{2 peak}). Body composition was assessed by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and circumferences measures. Results Mean body composition was not different between the two groups. VO_{2 peak} was lower among the group with diabetes than the control subjects (29.3 ± 9.2 vs. 33.5 ± 9.0 ml kg^?1 min^?1; P = 0.005), but their physical activity level (ratio total/resting energy expenditure) was similar (1.68 ± 0.37 vs. 1.65 ± 0.26; P = 0.572). In both groups, having an active lifestyle (physical activity level ≥ 1.7) compared with a more sedentary lifestyle (physical activity level < 1.7) was associated with lower BMI and percentage of total and truncal fat mass (P ≤ 0.030 to P ≤ 0.001). Among adults with diabetes, physical activity level was not associated with diabetes treatment (insulin doses) and control (HbA_1c and hypoglycaemia) or cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure and lipid profile). Conclusion As in the population without diabetes, an active lifestyle is associated with a better body composition profile in adults with Type 1 diabetes.