Comparison of physical activity levels in Spanish people with diabetes with and without cataracts

The objective was to compare levels of physical activity (PA) in a large sample of Spanish people with diabetes with and without cataracts. To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing PA levels in people with diabetes with and without cataracts in a large representative sample.

Cross-sectional data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analyzed (n = 1014 people with diabetes; 43.1% females; age range 15-69 years; mean age 58.4 ± 9.2 years). International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form was used to measure PA. Total MET-min week-1 of PA were calculated and participants were divided into two categories according to American Diabetes Association PA guidelines: (i) <600 MET-min week-1. (ii) At least 600 MET-min week-1. Diabetes and cataracts were self-reported in response to the questions 'Have you ever been diagnosed with diabetes/cataracts?' Participants also reported other variables including age, gender, marital status, living as a couple, education, smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 23.0.

The overall prevalence of cataract was 14.0% and the overall prevalence of people doing <600 MET-min week-1 of PA was 35.4%. The prevalence of cataract was significantly lower in those doing more PA (12.1% vs. 17.5%; P = 0.016). Those without cataracts were significantly more active than those with cataracts (1846.8 vs. 1289.4 MET-min week-1; P = 0.001). The adherence to American Diabetes Association PA guidelines was significantly higher in those without cataracts (66.1% vs. 55.6%; P = 0.016).

Interventions to promote PA targeting people with both diabetes and cataracts are warranted.