Physical activity, and improvement in health-related quality of life among Australian middle-aged and older adults living with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Authors: Addisu Shunu Beyene1, Hirbo Shore Roba2,3, Tolassa Wakayo Ushula4 & Syed Afroz Keramat5

Affiliations:

  1. College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
  2. School of Public Health, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
  3. School of Public Health, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
  4. Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
  5. Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

The following is a summary of a research paper by the authors. For more information, please see the published full-text journal article: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-024-03865-z

Summary

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global public health concern, affecting more than 1.3 million Australian adults and costing the nation an estimated $3.4 billion in 2020–21. Physical inactivity is a well-established risk factor for T2DM and other chronic conditions. This study looked at more than 1,200 Australians with T2DM over 13 years to understand how physical activity relates to physical and mental well-being and overall quality of life.

We found that even small amounts of physical activity once or twice a week were linked to better health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults with T2DM. People who exercised at least 1–2 times per week had better physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life compared to those who did no physical activity. Those who exercised 3 or more times a week saw even greater improvements. Importantly, these benefits were seen in both men and women, and across different age groups. The positive effects remained even after accounting for other factors like age, gender, income, and chronic health conditions. The link between physical activity and better health outcomes was stronger in people with T2DM than in people without T2DM.

Our findings revealed that physical activity is significantly associated with improved HRQOL in middle-aged and older adults with T2DM. This highlights the need for public health campaigns and healthcare strategies that promote physical activity as a low-cost, non-drug option to support diabetes management. Encouraging active lifestyles not only enhances well-being but may also reduce healthcare costs. To achieve this, policymakers should invest in community programs and awareness campaigns that make physical activity more accessible and appealing, especially for people with T2DM. Healthcare providers should also integrate physical activity advice into routine care. These actions could enhance health outcomes for people across all ages and genders.

Furthermore, the improved health-state utility value associated with physical activity identified in our study offers a significant opportunity to inform future health economics evaluations. Given the global burden of T2DM and its rising prevalence, the findings are relevant worldwide and could support international efforts to improve the quality of life among older adults with chronic conditions.

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