Lower objectively measured physical activity is linked with perceived risk of hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: Compare physical activity (PA) levels in adults with and without type 1 diabetes and identify diabetes-specific barriers to PA.

METHODS: Forty-four individuals with type 1 diabetes and 77 non-diabetic controls in the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes study wore an accelerometer for 2 weeks. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was compared by diabetes status using multiple linear regression. The Barriers to Physical Activity in Type 1 Diabetes questionnaire measured diabetes-specific barriers to PA, and the Clarke hypoglycemia awareness questionnaire measured hypoglycemia frequency.

RESULTS: Individuals with type 1 diabetes engaged in less MVPA, fewer bouts of MVPA, and spent less time in MVPA bouts per week than individuals without diabetes (all p < 0.05), despite no difference in self-reported PA (p > 0.05). The most common diabetes-specific barrier to PA was risk of hypoglycemia. Individuals with diabetes reporting barriers spent less time in MVPA bouts per week than those not reporting barriers (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with type 1 diabetes engage in less MVPA than those without diabetes despite similar self-reported levels, with the main barrier being perceived risk of hypoglycemia. Adults with type 1 diabetes require guidance to meet current PA guidelines and reduce cardiovascular risk.