Korean J Adult Nurs.  2011 Jun;23(3):298-307.

Effects of Physical Activity on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetics

• Choi EJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of physical activity on glycemic control among Koreans with type 2 diabetes.
METHODS
A total of 215 patients with type 2 diabetes (82 male and 133 female) were recruited (mean age = 59.0 +/- 9.7 years). The amounts of physical activity was assessed using the physical activity scale for elderly (PASE). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and 2 hours postprandial glucose (2hrPG) were measured.
RESULTS
The highest PASE score was housework-related physical activity. However, the amounts of walking was significantly higher in good FBG level (Z = 1.39, p=.041) and the amounts of leisure-time physical activity was higher in good HbA1 and 2hrPG level than in the poor glycemic control group (Z = 2.29, p<.001; Z = 1.99, p=.001). A logistic regression analysis showed that patients with leisure-time physical activity in the top quartile more likely presented with good glycemic control in HbA1c, OR=3.84 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.65~8.95) and in 2hrPG, OR=4.06 (95%CI = 1.77~9.27), compared to patients in the lowest quartile.
CONCLUSION
Leisure-time physical activity is effective for controlling the glucose levels, especially HbA1c and 2hrPG among type 2 diabetic patients. It is suggested that health providers need to more focus on providing aggressive recommendations on physical activity considering physical activity patterns by individuals.

MeSH Terms

Aged
Blood Glucose
Fasting
Glucose
Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated
Hemoglobins
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Motor Activity
Walking
Blood Glucose
Glucose
Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated
Hemoglobins