Is there a different rating of perceived exertion in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

OBJECTIVE: Studies show that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not engage in regular exercise as often as individuals without T2DM. In addition to numerous barriers to engaging in regular exercise, a different rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during physical activity has been hypothesized to play a role. Therefore, this study investigates whether T2DM affects RPE. METHODS: RPE values (BORG scale ratings) and heart rate (HR) data were analyzed during an endurance step test (25 W + 25 W every 2 min) at different workloads relative to the individual maximum load (50%, 70% and 90% of peak workload (W(peak))) in patients with T2DM and in non-diabetic control (CON) subjects (n = 12 in each group). Furthermore, in a larger group of overweight patients with T2DM (n = 81), it was investigated whether glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels correlate with RPE values at the different relative loads. RESULTS: Neither RPE nor HR values significantly differed between T2DM and CON subjects at 50%, 70% or 90% of W(peak). No significant correlations were identified between HbA1c levels and RPE values. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence in our study that T2DM leads to a different perception of physical exertion. Other causes must therefore be responsible for the increased lack of motivation of T2DM patients to engage in regular exercise.