Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The role of physical activity is well established in diabetes prevention and management. Patients with diabetes often have low levels of vitamin D, and ethnic South Asians seem to be at particular risk for both type 2 diabetes and vitamin D deficiency. Whether vitamin D levels may influence the level of physical activity is still unclear. This paper aims to investigate levels and patterns of physical activity, and factors influencing activity levels, in subjects with type 2 diabetes and vitamin D deficiency.
Material and methods
As part of the DIVINE study at Oslo University Hospital, activity data from 11 Nordic women, 26 Nordic men, 8 South Asian women and 8 South Asian men were collected and analysed, using the portable activity monitor SenseWear ArmBand.
Results
Participants were generally inactive, with a median(interquartile range) of 1220(142) passive minutes per day. No clear correlation was found between serum-25-hydroxyvitamin D and activity level. South Asian women were most active, and Nordic women least active. Multivariate linear regression showed that BMI and age were the most important predictors of activity level. Ethnicity played a role only in light activity, with a higher level seen among South Asians.
Conclusion
The activity level in this group is low, but may be equal to or higher than in the general Norwegian population. Ethnicity and vitamin D levels seem to have little or no impact on physical activity in these subjects. Because of small sample size and limited selection criteria, the results should be interpreted with care.