Abstract

In the spring of 1977 a sports group for juvenile, insulin dependent diabetics was set up, which we have been in charge of since then. The aim of this scientific experiment was to classify the pattern of metabolism, the patient subjective feeling of well-being and their physical working capacity by means of a regular and accurately controlled endurance training programme under medical supervision. Before starting their training, all the participants underwent a 30-minute endurance test on the bicycle ergometer, using approximately 60 of their maximum physical working capacity, during which time were determined pulse rate, ECG, blood pressure, the volume of air breathed in one minute, oxygen absorption, and also chemical data: lactate, cholesterol, glucose, C-peptide, glucagon, STH and cortisol. Our results revealed, in addition to the expected improvement in cardiopulmonary performance, a significant increase in the patients subjective feeling of well-being, a reduced feeling of illness and a subjectively increased stress tolerance. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)