Effects of non-exercise activity and daily exercise activity upon glucose and fat metabolism in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to disclose the relationship between objectively measured non-exercise activity (NEA) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using triaxial accelerometer and the effect of each activity on glucose and fat metabolism in active type 2 diabetes. Elucidating this relationship and effect would lead to support educational programs for the management of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with type 2 diabetes who had performed daily programmed walking exercise participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity including NEA and MVPA was measured by triaxial accelerometer for 10 consecutive days and the measurements of body composition and glucose and lipid profile were performed. Results: There was no significant correlation between NEA and MVPA in active type 2 diabetes. NEA had a significant inverse correlation with body fat (P<0.05) and higher MVPA manifested a positive influence upon glucose and/or fat metabolism (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested even patients who performed a routine programmed MVPA remained sedentary other than MVPA, thus, clinicians should counsel patients to not only promote MVPA but to increase NEA by quantification of NEA. The results of this study should be taken into consideration for the development of educational programs and management of type 2 diabetes.