The Impact of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Early Versus Late Readmission Among Patients With Diabetes

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic patients are at a high risk of readmission due to complications and comorbidities. The study aimed to determine the impact of sedentary behavior and physical activity on readmission in diabetic patients. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled diabetic inpatients from two Chinese tertiary hospitals. Depression, anxiety, self-care, physical activity, and sedentary time were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed predictors of readmission at 30 and 90 days post-discharge. RESULTS: The early and late readmission rate was 8.4% and 15.9%, respectively. Complications, more frequent hospitalizations, and longer sedentary time are predictors of early and late readmission. Diabetic lower extremity vasculopathy and coronary heart disease specifically predicted 30-day readmission. Physical activity was found to be a protective factor of late readmission. CONCLUSION: Early and late readmission rate among diabetic patients is independently associated with several patient personal factors such as self-care, sedentary, and physical activity. Interventions should holistically address patient-level factors to lower readmission rates.