Correlates of Physical Activity in Middle-Aged Women With and Without Diabetes

This comparative and correlational study examined personal and social-cognitive factors related to physical activity in middle-aged women with (n = 37) and without (n = 67) type 2 diabetes (T2D). Compared with those without the condition, women with T2D attained less accelerometer-measured moderate, t = -3.35(89.40), p = .001, and vigorous physical activity, t = -2.76(59.30), p = .008, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), t = -3.50(91.19), p = .001, and had lower physical activity self-efficacy, t = -2.6(101), p = .01, and perceived benefits of physical activity, t = -2.4(51.0), p = .02. For the total sample, greater MVPA was related to White race, not having diabetes, lower body mass index, fewer comorbidities, less depressive symptom severity, no smoking status, more positive attitudes, higher self-efficacy, and greater perceived benefits. Enhancing attitudes, self-efficacy, and benefits may increase MVPA in middle-aged women with T2D.