PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, MUSCULAR FITNESS, AND GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN ADULTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: CROSS-SECTIONAL DATA FROM QATAR BIOBANK

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a major and growing public health challenge in Qatar and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, where sedentary lifestyles and rising obesity rates contribute significantly to poor glycemic control. This study examined physical activity (PA) behaviors as well as predictors of glycemic control among adults with T2DM using cross-sectional data from the Qatar Biobank (QBB). A total of 715 adults (41.7% women, 76.8% Qataris) with T2DM were included in the study. Glycemic control was categorized into three HbA1c groups: 9.0% (poor control). Descriptive analyses included demographic, body composition, socio-economic, muscular fitness, and behavioral (i.e., walking, moderate, and vigorous PA, and screen-based sedentary time) variables. A multinomial logistic regression was used to identify predictors of the HbA1c category. Most participants (83.1%) were physically inactive and approximately 48.4% were at a substantially increased metabolic risk. Regression analysis revealed that longer diabetes duration, lower walking time, female sex, and insulin treatment were significant predictors of poor glycemic control compared to good glycemic control. In contrast, moderate glycemic control was associated with greater walking activity, male sex, non-Qatari nationality, moderate screen time, and higher income levels, as compared to poor glycemic control. PA, particularly walking, and certain socio-demographic and clinical factors were independently associated with glycemic control among adults with T2DM in Qatar. The findings underscore the need for integrating structured physical activity promotion, emphasizing walking and light-to-moderate daily activity, within diabetes management programs.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Health & Life Sciences