Factors influencing Physical Activity amongst People with type II Diabetes

Hennie PienaarCo presenters – Phill Surgenor & Duncan McKenzie Southern Institute of Technology

Key points:

• studyed people with Type II Diabetes;
• investigated physical activity levels and the factors that influence;
• formulate strategies to improve physical activity participation amongst this population.

The presenter described a study which investigated physical activity levels and the factors that influence this amongst people with Type II Diabetes, in order to formulate strategies to improve physical activity participation amongst this population.

Regular physical activity can decrease the chance of diabetic complications. Research shows that there is a low exercise participation rate amongst people with Type II Diabetes.

The study involved an online survey with 12 questions (link provided by Diabetes New Zealand website). 72 people with Type II Diabetes responded. Their responses were analysed by SPSS software.

The study developed seven recommendations:

1. Make exercise more enjoyable: music, with friends, set goals, clothes that make a person feel good, exercise that challenges and at the correct level, variety, establish regular time slots, continue push play programme.
2. Increase the awareness of the health benefits of exercise
3. Increase the importance on regular physical activity over other daily demands.
4. Indentify which challenges might limit participation in physical activity and formulate strategies to overcome these potential challenges.
5. Address the concerns of those who cannot exercise.
6. Ensure a high level of awareness within communities about facilities for exercise and physical activity.
7. Further research should be conducted to formulate strategies as to how these suggestions may be implemented.