AbstractExercise has a beneficial metabolic effect in diabetic children and adolescents only when they are in good metabolic control with optimal insulin administration. In insulin‐deficient patients exercise may seriously aggravate the diabetic state. The physical working capacity of young diabetics is often lower than that of non‐diabetic children. Their physical fitness can be improved by regular training programs.Exercise‐induced hypoglycemia is due to suppression of hepatic glucose output in response to an abnormal insulinemia. It can as a rule be prevented by a liberal carbohydrate intake before and during the exercise period. On a long‐term basis regular physical activity improves diabetic control in young diabetics, increases glucose tolerance and normalizes blood lipids. Regular physical activity increases diabetics' sense of well‐being, gives self‐confidence and makes feelings of being handicapped disappear. Exercise may contribute topreventing the development of long‐term diabetic microangiopathy andneuropathy. However, when such complications once have become manifest, the value of exercise is less obvious. It may even be harmful and should therefore, in such situations, be undertaken with great caution and after careful medic
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