Leisure time physical activity is associated with better metabolic control in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study from two public hospitals in Chile

Aim: To examine the association between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and metabolic control, in adults with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospitals (Santiago, Chile) with 101 type 1 (mean 34.4 ± 12.3 years) and 100 type 2 DM (mean 57.8 ± 5.2 years) adults. Glycated hemoglobin level (A1C) was obtained, and LTPA levels were estimated through the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were fitted evaluating the independent effect of LTPA, sociodemographic, cardiovascular risk factors and other types of physical activity (PA) on metabolic control. Results: DM participants which reported no LTPA had higher levels of A1C (type 1 mean A1C: 8.8 ± 1.5% and type 2 mean A1C: 9.2 ± 1.4%) compared to those who fulfilled PA recommendations of ≥150 min/week (type 1 mean A1C: 8.0 ± 1.6% and type 2 mean A1C: 8.1 ± 1.4%). Regression analysis showed that A1C levels were negatively associated with ≥150 min/week on LTPA in type 1 (b = −0.25; 95%CI −0.16 to −0.01) and type 2 DM (b = −0.24; 95%CI −0.29 to −0.02) participants. Conclusion: Leisure time physical activity may be considered as an efficient and inexpensive non-pharmacological tool for DM treatment. Hence, healthcare professionals should educate and promote PA since primary-care diagnosis in addition to prevent disease-related complications.