Physical activity and health-related quality of life in individuals with prediabetes

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if differences existed in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between individuals with prediabetes who are physically active (i.e., achieving ≥600. MET. min per week) compared to those who are inactive. Method: Individuals with prediabetes (N= 232) residing in Northern Alberta, Canada completed a mailed questionnaire assessing self-reported PA, and health-related quality of life in August-September 2008. Results: Thirty-eight percent of individuals with prediabetes were meeting prediabetes PA guidelines. Covarying on age, gender, income, smoking and BMI, a significant multivariate analysis of covariance model [Wilks' λ= 0.967, F(2,224) = 3.791, p< .05] indicated those achieving PA guidelines reported higher Physical Health (Mean diff = 2.7, p< .05, ES = .27) and Mental Health (Mean diff = 3.0, p< .05, ES = .31) compared to those not achieving PA guidelines. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate people with prediabetes who achieve prediabetes PA guidelines have higher levels of physical and mental HRQoL than people who are inactive. Further, these results support the rationale for developing strategically designed PA programs for individuals with prediabetes.