INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN ELDERLY WITH AND WITHOUT TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Introduction: Physical exercise is considered to improve different health outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients. In addition, a few studies have suggested that higher levels of fitness might also enhance health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, there are no published studies that were specifically designed to examine this relationship. Objective: The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of physical activity level on physical fitness and HRQoL and determine whether differences existed when comparing people with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Fifty-four participants with type 2 diabetes and 54 age-matched participants without diabetes volunteered to participate in this study. Physical fitness (30-second chair stand test, six-min walk test and sit-and-reach test) and HRQoL (36-item Short Form Health Survey) were assessed. Results: Participants with type 2 diabetes had lower mean scores for sit and reach and higher mental component score than control participants. When both groups were categorized regarding their level of physical activity significant differences were found in relation to social function, mental health, general health and vitality between poorly and minimally active patients. Conclusions: Participants with the greater levels of physical activity also reported better physical fitness which together with the improvement in HRQoL may have clinical implications in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.