BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by an autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, ie, the immune system destroys the special cells that make and secrete insulin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of 12 weeks exercise programme on glycaemic and metabolic control in T1DM adolescents. METHODS: Twenty-four T1DM adolescent males (12 to 16 y) were randomised into an exercise (n = 12) and control group (n = 12). Twelve weeks of exercise programme was administered to the exercise group. Two patients, one in each group discontinued training. Training intensity was 40 to 60% of maximum heart rate for a duration 60 min, 3 times a week. RESULTS: No significant improvement was seen in HbA1c (p = 0.598), low density lipoprotein (p = 0.264), high density lipoprotein (p = 0.276) and triglycerides (p = 0.490) in the exercise group but significant improvement was observed in insulin dose (p = 0.000) and total cholesterol (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of closely supervised exercise programme enhanced reduction in insulin dose and lowered the total cholesterol T1DM adolescent male and could be recommended as a part of the management of T1DM.

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