Physical activity and sedentary time levels among Moroccan type 2 diabetes patients

BACKGROUND: Meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines and decreasing sedentary time (SED-time) are cornerstones in the management of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the level of PA, SED-time, and related factors among Moroccan diabetes patients. METHODS: From February to June 2019, 1143 patients with type 2 diabetes took part in a cross-sectional survey. PA and SED-time were assessed through a face-to-face interview using International PA Questionnaire. RESULTS: The PA recommendations were achieved by 77.7% of participants and they were significantly higher in males using oral antidiabetic alone, in normal and overweight participants, and in those with duration less than 7 years. While in females, this level was significantly higher only in participants with a family history of diabetes. The mean SED-time was high (35.66±16.88 hours/week) and increased with age, BMI, duration of diabetes, among widowers and divorced, illiterate and among those with low level of PA. CONCLUSIONS: The PA level and SED-time were high. Furthermore, participants with high SED-time have low levels of PA, which represents a combined risk of sitting and inactivity in this subgroup. As a result, patients should be encouraged to participate regularly in PA and also to minimize their SED-time.