Seasonal differences in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep patterns in people with type 1 diabetes in
Ebaa Al-Ozairi1, Mohammad Irshad1, Abdullah Al-Ozairi2
1Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Aims:
The main aim of the current study was to measure physical activity, sedentary behaviors and sleep levels across the different seasons in people with type 1 diabetes in Kuwait.
Methods:
A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2021 to September 2022. Physical activity and sleep metrics were measured over a 7-day period with a wrist-worn accelerometer (GENEActiv). Overall physical activity was measured as a Euclidean Norm Minus One in milli gravitational units (mg). Accelerometer metrics were compared across the seasons and between the sex.
Results:
A total of 784 people with type 1 diabetes participated. Mean daily physical activity was 25.2 mg (SD = 7.3). Seasonal differences were seen in overall physical activity (p = 0.05), inactivity (p = 0.04), light activity (p = 0.001), the intensity gradient (p = 0.001) and sleep efficiency (p = 0.02). Poorer metrics were generally seen in Spring and Summer. Overall physical activity, moderate and vigorous physical activity, and inactivity were significantly higher in males compared to females (p ≤ 0.02). Females had a longer sleeping duration (p = 0.02), and higher sleep efficiency (p = 0.04) and light physical activity (p = 0.01). Overall physical activity and the intensity gradient were negatively associated with HbA1c (both p = 0.01).
Conclusions:
Physical activity levels were generally low and sleep poor in people with type 1 diabetes in Kuwait and these varied by sex and season. The current data are useful to target and develop interventions to improve physical activity and glycemic control.
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