Physical activity prevalence and barriers among type 2 diabetic patients, Kudai and Al-hijra primary health care center, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) is regarded a cornerstone of diabetes management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PA has variety of benefits to diabetic patients as it improves control of their blood glucose levels and reduces glycosylated hemoglobin, decreases patient's mortality risks (20 to >37 % reduction), improves cardiovascular outcomes, insulin secretion and enhance body weight maintenance. Methods: We used a valid questionnaire called the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to estimate the prevalence of physical activities among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in addition to barriers that prevent them from practicing exercise. Result: This study had a total of 157 individuals. 51.6% engaged in low-intensity physical activity, 28.7% in moderate activity, and 19.7% in highintensity physical activity. Laziness and lack of energy (40.8%), health related issues (38.9%), lack of nearby dedicated facilities (30.6%), lack of time (29.9%) and weather conditions (27.4%) were the most common barriers prevent patients from practicing physical activity among T2DM patients. Female patients were more uncomfortable to engage in exercise in public areas compared to male patients (21.9% vs. 6.5%). Conclusion: Physical activity was importantly related to age, educational level, occupation, and working hours per day among patients with T2DM. PA was generally reduced in the majority of the patients in our study.

Association Between Risk for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevention Among Faculty Members and Administrative Staff of a Saudi University

“…In the present study, physical inactivity was prevalent (59.27%). These results were comparable to a 2022 study conducted among T2DM patients in Makkah, in which it was stated that more than half of the population (51.6%) included in the study had low physical activity levels [27].…”

“…Similarly, according to a study in the United Arab Emirates by Al-Kaabi et al involving T2DM patients, 78% of all participants claimed to practice walking as a form of physical activity [27,28]. Less than half of the respondents in the current study were regarded as physically active yet had a high prediabetes risk of 37.93%.…”

“…The most frequently practiced form of physical activity among respondents in the current study was walking, where nearly 90% of the study participants reported practicing such exercise always or 2-3 times per week. Similarly, according to a study in the United Arab Emirates by Al-Kaabi et al involving T2DM patients, 78% of all participants claimed to practice walking as a form of physical activity [ 27 , 28 ]. Less than half of the respondents in the current study were regarded as physically active yet had a high prediabetes risk of 37.93%.…”