Physical activity in type 2 diabetes. Its role and the current care pattern: A survey of diabetes health care professionals in the UK

Abstract

This survey was conducted to find out the views of health care professionals in diabetes, on the benefits and current care patterns with regard to physical activity. The survey shows a clear gap between the knowledge about the benefits of physical activity in type 2 diabetes, and the current advice being offered to patients. Another striking finding of this survey was the feeling amongst health professionals, that most patients are capable of increasing their physical activity levels and that the advice given at present is inadequate and unlikely to have an impact on the uptake of physical activity in people with type 2 diabetes. We feel that spending a significant time on education on benefits of physical activity may be a resource issue, further research is needed to find innovative ways to promote physical activity in people with diabetes, as this group is likely to benefit the most. Copyright (C) John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.