Gender differences in physical activity levels of older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Physical activity (PA) is important in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to determine (i) the number of daily steps taken by older people with T2DM, (ii) if T2DM is associated with taking fewer steps per day and less likelihood of meeting PA guidelines and (iii) whether these associations are modified by age or gender.

Methods: PA was obtained by pedometer from two cohorts of older adults with and without T2DM. Multivariable regression was used to determine associations between T2DM, mean steps per day and meeting a guideline equivalent (7 100 steps per day).

Results: There were 293 participants with T2DM (mean age 67.6 ± 6.8 years) and 336 without T2DM (mean age 72.1 ± 7.1 years). In women, T2DM was associated with fewer mean steps per day (β = -1306.4 95% CI -2052.5, -560.3, p = 0.001) and not meeting the PA guidelines (OR 0.51 95% CI 0.28, 0.92, p = 0.03). Associations were not significant in men (p > 0.05). Only 29.7% of those with T2DM and 33.3% of those without T2DM met PA guidelines.

Conclusions: Greater focus is needed on how to maintain and increase PA in older age with particular focus on women with T2DM.