Effects of Intermittent Leisure Time Physical Activity on Glycemic Control in Korean Adult Men with Diabetes and Prediabetes

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although less frequent activity might be fit into patients, little is known about the benefits of the low frequency physical activity. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of physical activity patterns on glycemic control in Korean adult men with diabetes and prediabetes.METHODS: We obtained data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI (2014 to 2015), which included 14,930 participants. We analyzed the data for 1,297 male individuals aged 40–80 years, with diabetes or prediabetes. Physical activity patterns were classified into physical activity (Metabolic Equivalents [MET]·minutes) and frequency.RESULTS: Among the 1,297 respondents, 846 were in the “Inactive”, 98 were in the “Insufficiently Active 1” ( < 600 MET·minutes, 1 or 2 sessions/wk), 54 were in the “Insufficiently Active 2” ( < 600 MET·minutes, 3 or more sessions/wk), and 299 were in the “Sufficiently Active” (≥600 MET·minutes). Those in the “Insufficiently Active 1” had a significantly lower HbA1c than “inactive” (0.27%; 5.98±0.07 vs. 6.25±0.05). In contrast, those in the “Insufficiently Active 2” (6.66±0.28) exhibited higher HbA1c as compared to “inactive”. Finally, those in the “Sufficiently Active” (6.21±0.06) exhibited lower HbA1c as compared to “inactive” (0.04%) (all P-values < 0.05). A similar trend was observed in the relationship between physical activity and fasting blood glucose levels.CONCLUSION: Though engaging in physical activity once or twice a week does not meet the World Health Organization-recommended frequency, it has a significant positive effect on glycemic control in patients with diabetes and prediabetes.