Self-reported physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in Australian adults with type 2 diabetes, with and without peripheral neuropathy

Objective: The aim of this study was to survey the level of self-reported physical activity in people with type 2 diabetes, with and without peripheral neuropathy.

Methods: A sample of South Australian adults (n=481) aged 33-88 years with type 2 diabetes, including 55 people with peripheral neuropathy, completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Levels of self-reported physical activity were compared between those with and without peripheral neuropathy.

Results: People with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy (Mdn =1433, IQR = 495–3390 MET.min/wk) were less physically active than those without peripheral neuropathy (Mdn =2106, IQR = 876–4380 MET.min/wk) (p = 0.04). A total of 49% of people with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy met physical activity recommendations of 150 minutes of at least moderate activity per week, compared to 57% of people with type 2 diabetes alone.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that people with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy reported being significantly less active than people with type 2 diabetes alone. People with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy need to be encouraged to perform higher levels of physical activity for biological, physical and psychological benefits. Further studies using objective measures of physical activity are required to support these results.