Abstract
Background: Physical activity (PA) is regarded a cornerstone of diabetes management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PA has variety of benefits to diabetic patients as it improves control of their blood glucose levels and reduces glycosylated hemoglobin, decreases patient's mortality risks (20 to >37 % reduction), improves cardiovascular outcomes, insulin secretion and enhance body weight maintenance. Methods: We used a valid questionnaire called the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to estimate the prevalence of physical activities among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in addition to barriers that prevent them from practicing exercise. Result: This study had a total of 157 individuals. 51.6% engaged in low-intensity physical activity, 28.7% in moderate activity, and 19.7% in high -intensity physical activity. Laziness and lack of energy (40.8%), health related issues (38.9%), lack of nearby dedicated facilities (30.6%), lack of time (29.9%) and weather conditions (27.4%) were the most common barriers prevent patients from practicing physical activity among T2DM patients. Female patients were more uncomfortable to engage in exercise in public areas compared to male patients (21.9% vs. 6.5%). Conclusion: Physical activity was importantly related to age, educational level, occupation, and working hours per day among patients with T2DM. PA was generally reduced in the majority of the patients in our study.