Association between physical activity & sedentary time on frailty status in males and females living with diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone for the prevention and the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and frailty. However, no consensus exists on which intensities and types of PA are associated with frailty status among individuals living with DM. To investigate the association between different intensities and types of PA on frailty status in males and females living with DM.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of the 2003-2006 cycles from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was performed in 711 participants living with DM. Frailty status was measured using the 43-item deficit model and DM was self-reported. Weekly PA levels were measured by accelerometer, while resistance training (RT) was measured via questionnaire. Linear and logistic regressions were performed to investigate the associations between different intensities and types of PA and frailty status.

Results: Total time spent performing light PA was associated with a better frailty status in males (ß - 0.041 ± 0.012; p < 0.001) and females (ß - 0.070 ± 0.010; p < 0.0001), while total moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was associated with a better frailty status in females only (ß-0.235 ± 0.061; p < 0.05). However, once fully adjusted, the different intensities and types of PA were associated more with frailty status for female. When investigating whether different intensities and types of PA were associated with being considered frail, total time spent at MVPA and light PA were associated with higher odds along with total sedentary time for female (all p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Each minute engaged in PA was associated with a better frailty status in males and females living with DM, although RT does not appear associated with a better frailty status in adults with DM. Replacing sedentary time with PA is important, especially for females living with DM to have a better frailty status. These results are important as they provide insights into the prevention and the management of frailty in individuals living with DM.

Keywords: Diabetes; Exercise; Frailty; Physical activity.