Physical Activity in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Behavioral Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Type 1 diabetes (T1D) management requires consistent lifestyle choices, including regular physical activity (PA).
• Understanding factors influencing PA in T1D is crucial for developing effective health strategies.
• Limited research comprehensively examines the interplay of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors on PA in T1D adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological correlates of regular physical activity (PA) engagement in adults with type 1 diabetes.
• Identify specific barriers and facilitators to PA in this population.
• Inform targeted interventions to promote physical activity in adults with T1D.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the Type One Diabetes Exchange clinic registry.
• Included 7153 adults (≥18 years) with T1D and available PA self-report data.
• Statistical methods examined associations between demographic, clinical, and psychological variables and PA levels.

Main Results:

• 12% reported no PA, 55% 1-4 days/week, 33% ≥5 days/week.
• No PA associated with older age, poor general health, higher BMI, longer diabetes duration, and depressive symptoms.
• Factors linked to lower odds of ≥5 days PA included minority ethnicity, lower education, poor general health, foot ulcers, higher BMI, and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors significantly relate to physical activity in adults with T1D.
• Interventions could target individuals with depressive symptoms or poor general health perceptions.
• Tailored strategies for working adults may be necessary to overcome PA barriers.