Issue 211 Item 7 Increasing Physical Activity Can Prevent and Delay Diabetes

But, initiating and maintaining regular activity remains a difficult challenge Clinical trials in patients at risk for diabetes demonstrate that increasing physical activity can prevent or delay developing diabetes. However, initiating and maintaining regular activity remain a difficult challenge. In this study, we survey primary care patients at risk for diabetes and (1) describe their physical activity, supports and barriers to activity, and (2) identify characteristics associated with increased activity.

Patients at high risk for diabetes in a practice-based research network of 16 family practices, (North Carolina Health Project), were identified by the American Diabetes Association Risk Test. A random sample of 500 high risk individuals were mailed a survey querying their physical activity, supports and barriers. 258 surveys (59% response rate) were returned.

The average age of participants was 54.1 years; 61.6% were married; 50% noted having at least some college education; and the mean body mass index was 33.1 kg/m². Of the respondents, 55.8% reported meeting Healthy People 2010 objectives for physical activity (=150 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity per week). The top five activities enjoyed included walking (70.2%), gardening (39.3%), stretching (23.7%), swimming (12.2%) and biking (10.7%). In multivariate analyses, active respondents had higher education (OR 1.72, 95%CI: 1.12-2.65), were more likely to agree that they were able to make time for activity (OR 2.63, 95%CI: 1.35-5.07), were less likely to agree that activity is a low priority (OR 0.45, 95%CI: 0.21-0.94) and were less likely to worry about injury (OR 0.42; 95%CI: 0.19-0.91). There were no differences between groups for finding a place for activity, believing activity influences their weight, physician counseling, social support or self-efficacy.

45% of patients at high risk for diabetes attending primary care practices are not meeting the recommended levels of physical activity and tend to be middle-aged, married and obese. Targeted interventions should include guidance in prioritizing activity, time management to include activity, and strategies for lessening fear of injury. Abstract 64th Scientific Sessions

Learn about the First Step Program, a program to increase physical activity, that has gone through 8 years of clinical studies to show it’s effectiveness. www.firststepprogram.com

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