Work

Feasibility Investigation on the Effects of a 6‐Week Whole‐Body Static Stretching Program in Active Adults With Type 1 Diabetes on Blood Glucose and Insulin Sensitivity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Exercise is a cornerstone non‐pharmacological strategy for glucose management in people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, barriers such as fear of hypoglycemia and time constraints may limit participation in conventional exercise programs. Static stretching (SS) represents a low‐intensity, accessible modality that requires little equipment and may be easily integrated into daily routines; however, its feasibility and acceptability in people with T1D remain unexplored. Objective The primary aim was to assess the feasibility, attendance, adherence, and safety of a 6‐week whole‐body SS program in active adults with T1D. Exploratory aims were glucose management and insulin sensitivity. Methods Twenty‐seven adults with T1D (32.4 ± 9.3 years; 160.6 ± 13.2 cm; 64.6 ± 8.9 kg; 13.8 ± 11.4 years since diagnosis) completed a non‐randomized, controlled feasibility study. Participants underwent an SS intervention or a control condition (CC). The SS protocol, performed twice weekly, included eight exercises (four sets of 30 s each). Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, adherence, and adverse events. Exploratory outcomes included glucose responses (pre‐, post‐, and 1 h post‐exercise), carbohydrate intake, insulin dose (UI/day), and insulin sensitivity index (SI). Results Recruitment was successful, retention was 100% (27/27), and attendance at the stretching sessions was 100% (14/14 participants completed 12/12 sessions), with no serious adverse events reported. Exploratory analyses suggested that the SS group showed favorable post‐1 h glucose levels, insulin dose, and insulin sensitivity, whereas no relevant changes were observed in the CC. No between‐group differences were observed in carbohydrate intake. Conclusion A 6‐week SS program is feasible, safe, and acceptable in adults with T1D, supporting progression to a future randomized controlled trial.

Source: Lifestyle Medicine

DOI: 10.1002/lim2.70076

Authors: Salvatore Frenda, Masatoshi Nakamura, Konstantin Warneke, Salvatore Ficarra, Antonino Bianco, Ewan Thomas