Predictors of Physical Inactivity in Men and Women With Type 2 Diabetes From the Detection of Ischemia in Asymptomatic Diabetics (DIAD) Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine changes in physical inactivity from baseline to 5 years and to identify factors associated with and predictive of physical inactivity among individuals with type 2 diabetes enrolled in the Detection of Ischemia in Asymptomatic Diabetics (DIAD) study. METHODS: DIAD was a prospective randomized screening trial that assessed the prevalence of silent ischemia in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes. Subjects were recruited from diabetes and primary care practices at 14 centers throughout the United States and Canada. This is a secondary data analysis of the physical activity data (type and hours/week) collected. No intervention was conducted. RESULTS: In all subjects, physical inactivity rose from 24% at baseline to 33% at 5 years (S = 28.93; P < .0001). This change was significant in both men (S = 11.44; P < .0001), increasing from 23% to 31%, and women (S = 18.05; P < .0001), increasing from 25% to 36%. Gender differences were noted in several factors associated with baseline physical inactivity as well as in factors predictive of physical inactivity at 5 years. Important factors associated at both time points included lower level of education, current employment, presence of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, and indicators of overweight/obesity. Baseline physical inactivity was strongly predictive of physical inactivity at 5 years (odds ratio, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 2.36-4.54; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Gender-related differences were noted in factors associated with and predictive of physical inactivity.