Walking v type 1

Your feature on ‘Walking v Diabetes’ (July) was important in highlighting the value of exercise for those with mainly lifestyle-related (type 2) diabetes. I was surprised though no mention was made of the autoimmune genetic form (type 1). Although it can’t be prevented by lifestyle changes, a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity can still reduce the risk of the same complications (heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, etc) which result from a poor control of blood glucose levels.

As someone who is slowly developing type 1 diabetes in adulthood, I have no doubt daily walking is responsible for keeping diabetic complications at bay. I walk at least five miles a day and more if time allows. My blood glucose levels are nearly always lower after a walk, often significantly so. I’ll never be able to reverse my condition, but I should be able to live a normal life because of eating healthily and walking.

Dave Coppock, by email