Cardiovascular Risk in Correlation with Physical Activity Level and Body Mass Index among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Ethiopia

Background: Physical inactivity has major negative health consequences throughout the lifespan and physical exercise is an important component of a comprehensive approach to chronic disease prevention and health promotion. Yet, many patients with type two Diabetes Mellitus are often overweight or obese and do not achieve recommended levels of physical activity. Objective: To assess cardiovascular risk in correlation with physical activity level and body mass index among type 2 diabetic patients in some selected hospitals in Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in Six Diabetes Clinics in major hospitals in Ethiopia. Sample size was determined using single population proportion formula. Questionnaire was used for assessment of demographic information and medical record review was also done. Anthropometric, blood pressure, and blood sugar measurements were undertaken. SPSS version 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 415 (98.3%) of Type two Diabetes Mellitus patients responded to the questionnaire among whom 232 (55.9%) were men, while 183 (44.1%) were women. The age of the respondents ranged from 25 to 86 years with mean age and standard deviation of 48.88 + 11.29 year. The average estimate of total weekly physical activity was 25.39(SD=+0.117) MET. There were significant differences in the total Cholesterol F (3, 411)=6.956, P=.000, Triglycerides f (3)=67.353, P=.000, HDL F (3)=102.223, P=.000, LDL F (3)=89.081, P=.000, Systolic Blood Pressure F (3)=32.515, P=.000, and HbA1c F (3)=969, P=.000, between underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese participants. Conclusion: Majority of the Type two Diabetes Mellitus patients did not engage in regular physical activity. Both risk factors (physical inactivity and dyslipidemia) were highly prevalent in Type two Diabetes Mellitus patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, their risk of developing CVDs is very high.