Association between Physical Activity and Type 2 Diabetes among Older Adults

The risk for type 2 diabetes increases with age, particularly past age 45 years. A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has many health and financial implications. Research has shown that regular, moderate physical activity can help prevent, delay or manage the condition. Data from the 2001-2002 National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to explore the relationship between physical activity and type 2 diabetes in an older adult population (ages 45 years and older). Physical activity was measured primarily as 30-day cumulative metabolic equivalent (MET) values. Once controlling for covariates through multiple regression, physical activity was still a predictor for HbA1c levels. The results support the hypothesis that HbA1c values are inversely proportional to higher levels of physical activity among subjects of all diabetes statuses (type 2 diabetes, borderline diabetes, and no diabetes).