Barriers to physical activity among patients with type 1 diabetes
- Anne-Sophie Brazeau, R.D.1,2,
- Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, MD., Ph.D1,2,3,4,5,
- Irene Strychar, Ed.D., R.D.1,2,3,5 and
- Hortensia Mircescu, MD (hortensia.mircescu{at}umontreal.ca)1,2,3,4
- 1Metabolic dysfunction laboratory, Department of Nutrition, University of Montreal, Montreal
- 2Research Center of the University of Montreal Hospital Center (CHUM), Montreal
- 3Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medecine, CHUM, Montreal
- 4Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal
- 5Montreal Diabetes Research Center (MDRC), CHUM, Montreal, Canada
Abstract
Objectives: To determine, in an adult population with type 1 diabetes (TIDM), barriers to regular physical activity using a diabetes specific barriers measure (BAPAD1 scale) and factors associated with these barriers.
Research design and methods: 100 adults with TIDM answered a questionnaire assessing perceived barriers to physical activity and related factors. Glycated hemoglobin (A1c) was obtained from the medical chart.
Results: The 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 to well-being (r=-0.45, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Fear of hypoglycemia is the strongest barrier to regular physical activity practice in adults with T1DM, who should therefore be informed and supported in its management.
Footnotes
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- Received April 13, 2008.
- Accepted July 29, 2008.
- Copyright © American Diabetes Association
