Barriers to physical activity among patients with type 1 diabetes

Anne-Sophie Brazeau, Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, Irene Strychar, Hortensia Mircescu, Anne-Sophie Brazeau, Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, Irene Strychar, Hortensia Mircescu

Abstract

Objective: To determine, in an adult population with type 1 diabetes, barriers to regular physical activity using a diabetes-specific barriers measure (the Barriers to Physical Activity in Diabetes [type 1] [BAPAD1] scale) and factors associated with these barriers.

Research design and methods: One hundred adults with type 1 diabetes answered a questionnaire assessing perceived barriers to physical activity and related factors. A1C was obtained from the medical chart of each individual.

Results: Fear of hypoglycemia was identified as being the strongest barrier to physical activity. Greater knowledge about insulin pharmacokinetics and using appropriate approaches to minimize exercise-induced hypoglycemia were factors associated with fewer perceived barriers. Greater barriers were positively correlated with A1C levels (r = 0.203; P = 0.042) and negatively with well-being (r = -0.45; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Fear of hypoglycemia is the strongest barrier to regular physical activity in adults with type 1 diabetes, who should therefore be informed and supported in hypoglycemia management.

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Source: PubMed

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