Investigation of chronotropic response exercise capacity quality of life peripheral and respiratory muscle strength in individuals with type 1 diabetes

Hyperglycemia commonly prevalent in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), causes endothelial and vascular dysfunction, disrupts body systems. Impairments in exercise capacity, pulmonary function, physical and psychological functions are expected. However, not enough study investigated exercise capacity, chronotropic response, pulmonary function, peripheral muscle strength, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, physical activity level, quality of life, fatigue and dyspnea in patients T1DM, which was aimed in this study. A cross-sectional study, 26 each, patient with T1DM and healthy were compared. Maximal exercise capacity using incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT), chronotropic incompetence, pulmonary function spirometer, muscle strength dynamometer, respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP) mouth pressure device and endurance threshold loading test, physical activity metabolic holter, quality of World Health Organization (WHO) index, fatigue Fatigue Severity scale (FSS), dyspnea modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) scale were evaluated. Groups' ISWT distance was similar (p>0.05), however clinically decreased in patients. Chronotropic index, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF%25-75, PEF, MIP, MEP, respiratory muscle endurance, FSS, WHO index and MMRC scale scores, physical activity level were similar (p>0.05), quadriceps femoris muscle strength was statistically decreased in patients (p<0.05). Maximal exercise capacity is clinically decreased in patients, respiratory muscle strength and endurance quality of life are preserved, muscle strength is decreased, 28% of patients had restrictive pulmonary function abnormality. 11,53% patients had chronotropic incompetence, 61,53% severe fatigue. 15,38% had dyspnea. 60% of T1DM patients according to the number of steps and 100% according to the MET value were inactive and less active. Patients with T1DM should be directed to exercise training, and physical activity counseling is warranted to individuals.