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Fitness and Physical Activity in ChildrenWhat is the problem and what is known about it so far?As more children become overweight, health experts are concerned about health results, such as impaired glucose tolerance (an inability of the body to handle glucose) and type 2 diabetes. In addition, adults who don't exercise increase their chances of having impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. However, the link between fitness and glucose problems in children is not well understood. Why did the researchers do this particular study?Researchers wanted to see whether there is a link between physical fitness and impaired glucose tolerance in children, such as there is with adults. Who was studied?The study included 169 Hispanic children who were between 8 and 13 years old, were living in the Los Angeles area, and had a family history of type 2 diabetes. How was the study done?Participants had their fitness measured by a treadmill test, and researchers questioned them on how much they exercised. Participants also had blood tests to measure how their bodies handled glucose. What did the researchers find?Hispanic children with impaired glucose tolerance were almost as fit as those without impaired glucose tolerance. What were the limitations of the study?Participants were Hispanic children with a family history of diabetes, so the results may not apply to other groups of people. Information reported by participants about physical activity may not be accurate. What are the implications of the study?More long-term studies are needed to understand the link between fitness and impaired glucose tolerance as people grow into adulthood. FOR MORE INFORMATIONYouth Zone: Exercise and Blood Glucose Effects of Exercise on Glucose Levels in Children With Type 1 Diabetes How to Tell If You Have Pre-Diabetes |
Now Available! Late-breaking Diabetes research summaries Read the ADA's research magazine Forefront Wedding Diabetes Forecast - Free Issue! |
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