Factors related to physical activity levels among older diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood glucose

This cross-sectional study was conducted to explore factors related to physical acitvity levels of older type 2 diabetic people with uncontrolled blood glucose (HbA1c ≥ 7%). Physical activity (PA) levels was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form. Association existed between the duration of diabetes, chronic complications and HbA1c levels with the extent of PA levels. Prevalence of patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes ≥ 5 years, with at least one chronic diabetes complication or HbA1c level ≥ 8% were significantly higher in lower PA level. Peripheral neuropathy, cerebrovascular, and renal complications, were identified as related factors to the PA levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed independent factors associated with low PA levels were cerebrovascular complications (OR = 7.2), risk of sarcopenia (OR = 5.9), peripheral nerve complication (OR = 4.5), lipid disorder (OR = 4.0), age > 75 years old (OR = 2.5), and an HbA1c ≥ 8% (OR = 2.5). This result highlighted some independent factors were associated with low PA level among older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. However, future studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-up studies need to be done to understand these issues. Targeted interventions may help mitigate these risks.