Adherence to physical activity recommendations and barriers to physical activity participation among adults with type 1 diabetes

Background Physical activity (PA) is important for those with type 1 diabetes (T1DM); however, accurate information on PA in people with T1DM is limited. Aims This study assessed adherence to PA guidelines using both objective and subjective PA measures and evaluated the relationship between accelerometer-measured PA and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Barriers to PA were also assessed. Methods Using an observational cross-sectional design, PA was measured objectively over 7 days in 72 participants (34 males) using an accelerometer (ActiGraph) and subjectively using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Perceived barriers to PA were assessed using the Barriers to Physical Activity in Diabetes (type 1) scale. Multiple linear regression models assessed the influence of PA on HbA1c and CVD risk factors. Results Mean age +/- SD was 40.9 +/- 12.9 years, diabetes duration was 18 +/- 11.6 years, and HbA1c was 65 +/- 14 mmol/mol /8.0 +/- 1.3%. Twenty-three (32%) participants exercised according to PA recommendations as measured by an accelerometer. Sixty-nine (97%) participants reported meeting the recommendations as per the IPAQ. Those meeting recommendations (accelerometry) had a lower HbA1c (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.032), waist circumference (p = 0.006), and fat mass (p = 0.032) and a greater number of hypoglycaemic events (p = 0.004). Fear of hypoglycaemia was the strongest barrier to PA (mean 3.4 +/- 2.0). Conclusion The majority of participants failed to meet PA recommendations. Meeting the recommendations was associated with healthier CVD risk factor profiles. Individuals with T1DM possibly overestimate their PA using self-reported measures and require support and education to safely improve activity levels.