Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: Stem cell therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Previous studies recommended regular exercise for the control of (T1D). Experimental studies showed that a combination of stem cells and exercise yield a better outcome. Purpose: The current study aimed to examine the effect of a combined exercise program on measures of glycemic control in patients with T1D who received autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation (ABMSCT).Methodology: Thirty patients with controlled T1D were assigned into two equal groups exercise group (A) and control group (B). Both groups underwent ABMSCT and received insulin therapy and a diabetic diet regime. Only the group (A) followed the combined (aerobic and resistive) exercise program. Outcome measures of glycemic control (fasting blood glucose level (FBG), postprandial blood glucose level (PPG), HbA1c, daily insulin dosage and C-peptide levels) were tested before and after three month rehabilitation period. Results: There were significant (p<0.05) decreases in all outcome measures except C-peptides after ABMSCT compared with before in both groups. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the mean value of HbA1c in the exercise group compared with the control group after rehabilitation. Conclusion: Performing a combined exercise program after ABMSCT in patients with T1D for 3 months can improve HbA1c in those patients; however, it has no effect on C-peptide values

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