【Introduction】We investigated whether educational interventions using cartoons for children with type 1 diabetes could enhance their knowledge of diabetes and improve their exercise habits. We also explored the safety aspects of these cartoons. 【Methods】The participants were children aged 8–15 with type 1 diabetes. They were initially sent a diabetes test (total of 30 points), as well as questionnaires related to exercise habits and psychological stress. Cartoons-based educational materials were subsequently mailed to their homes. For the final assessment, 6 months later, the participants were asked to complete the same tests and questionnaires as those in the initial assessment. The children's exercise habits were evaluated based on the percentage of days per week on which they engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Statistical analyses included comparisons of responses to the diabetes test and exercise habit questionnaires before and after the intervention, as well as comparisons between items related to psychological stress. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between the responses to the diabetes test and those of the psychological stress questionnaire. 【Results】A total of seven children participated in this study. There was no significant improvement in the points obtained in the diabetes test, which were 27 (24, 28) and 26 (25, 27) (P = 0.916) before and after the intervention, respectively. However, there was a significant improvement in exercise habits. The percentage of MVPA increased from 1 (1, 3) to 4 (3, 4) (P = 0.026). Among the four items related to psychological stress, the item “disgust” had fewer points than “Interestingness” (P = 0.053) and “satisfaction” (P = 0.019). There was a positive correlation between the pre-intervention points achieved in the diabetes test and “disgust” (r = 0.804, P = 0.052). 【Conclusion】The distribution of cartoons to children with type 1 diabetes did not facilitate an enhancement in diabetes-related knowledge, but it showed the potential to improve exercise habits. Additionally, the cartoons were demonstrated to have a certain level of safety.

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【Background and purpose】Personality traits, unique to individual behaviors, have been linked to chronic diseases, including diabetes. This study investigates the relationship between personality traits and diabetes among working-age Japanese adults. 【Methods】In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the personality traits (conscientiousness, neuroticism, extraversion, openness, and agreeableness) using the Japanese version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI-J) in a cohort of working-age Japanese adults with diabetes. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the effects. The primary outcome was blood glucose control status, determined by HbA1c levels, with poor control defined as an HbA1c level of 7.0% or higher. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and step count were adjusted as covariates, with personality traits as independent variables in diabetes management status. 【Results】Among the 1,568 participants included, conscientiousness was a significant predictor of blood glucose management status (odds ratio = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–0.99), after adjusting for age, sex, step counts, and BMI. No other personality trait variables significantly impacted blood glucose management. 【Conclusions】Conscientiousness emerged as a crucial personality trait for blood glucose management in working-age Japanese adults with diabetes.

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【Background】Decreased physical function and quality of life (QOL) are among the most important problems encountered by older patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, evidence regarding the effects of home-based exercise on pre-dialysis CKD is limited. In this randomized controlled trial, we aim to investigate the effect of a 6-month home-based exercise program on physical function and QOL in older patients with pre-dialysis CKD. 【Method】This single-center, randomized controlled trial will include patients aged ≥65 years with non-hemodialyzed stage 3–5 CKD scheduled to receive CKD education. Patients will be randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group will be assigned to a 6-month home-based exercise program following hospital discharge, which will consist of both aerobic exercise (i.e., walking) and resistance training. Patients in the intervention group will be instructed to walk 3–5 times per week, with the goal of increasing the daily number of steps from 6,000 to 10,000. Resistance training will consist of squats and calf raises performed three times a week, with 1–3 sets of 10–20 repetitions per set. The control group will engage in a similar standard inpatient education program for individuals with CKD, although their education will not include instructions related to home-based exercise. Follow-up counseling will be provided via telephone by a dedicated physical therapist once per month. The primary outcomes are physical function and QOL. Physical function will be assessed based on grip strength, Short Physical Performance Battery results, 6-min walk test results, and the patient’s skeletal muscle mass index. QOL will be measured using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life—Short Form and the five-level EuroQoL five-dimensional questionnaire. 【Discussion】Interventions that combine comprehensive home-based exercise with counseling support may help to maintain motivation among older patients with CKD, thereby increasing rates of exercise participation and adherence. This study will provide new information regarding the effects of exercise therapy on physical function and QOL in older patients with pre-dialysis CKD. 【Trial registration】The trial registration number is UMIN-CTR (UMIN000046881).

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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