The Association between Sedentary Behavior and Health Variables in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: We examined the relationship between sedentary behavior (SB) and glycemic control, well-being, fatigue, and physical function in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These modifiable health variables have been shown to be associated with SB in older adults, and negatively impacted in people with T2DM. However, the relationship between SB and these variables in people with T2DM is uncertain. Methods: We used a cross-sectional design to assess the relationship between SB with glycemic control (A1C), well-being (WBQ-22), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), and physical function (Senior Fitness Test). We used an activPAL3TM activity monitor to assess SB in people with T2DM aged 50 to 75 years. Results: Study participants (N = 59) were obese (33.4 ± 5.5 kg/m2) and sedentary (11.08 ± 2.31 hours/day). Multiple linear regression examining the effect of the assessed variables on SB showed that poorer glycemic control (β= 0.40; 95% CI: 14.43, 58.13) was associated with higher level of SB. We found no other statistically significant relationships. Conclusion: Glycemic control was a statistically significant predictor of SB. Future studies should explore this relationship further, as both glycemic control and SB are modifiable factors and could be used as main target for interventions programs.