Adherence to the recommended physical activity duration among Saudis with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is important in managing type 2 diabetes, since it leads to better glycemic control, decreases macrovascular complications, and controls diabetes-related comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the levels of adherence to physical activity in Saudi adults with type 2 diabetes. METHOD: Participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus who visited diabetes centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Hofuf and completed interviewer-administered electronic questionnaires between May 15 and November 31 in 2017 were included in this study. Data related to sociodemographic information, medical history, level of physical activity, and depression and anxiety were collected. In addition, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and the most recent HbA1c, and fasting lipid profiles were obtained. RESULTS: In total, 1,111 participants (65.2% women, mean age of 57.5 ± 11 years) were included in the analysis; 62.1% were obese (Body Mass Index [BMI] >30 kg/m(2)). Mean duration of DM was 13.8 ± 8.3 years. Approximately 75% of participants had uncontrolled diabetes (i.e. HbA1c ≥7%). Furthermore, only 30% adhered to the recommended physical activity duration of 150 min/week. Non-adherence to physical activity was associated with female sex, older age, low education, low economic status, longer disease duration, absence of family support, poor education from the physician or DM educator, and follow-up in health institutions other than the diabetes center. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with T2DM in Saudi do not adhere to the recommended duration of physical activity. Sex, age, level of education, monthly income, disease duration, follow-up institution, among others, influenced adherence to physical activity.