DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2024.01.002
In a groundbreaking study recently published in the Canadian Journal of Diabetes, researchers have unveiled the intricate association between the educational status of individuals and their level of physical activity, particularly in Danish and English adults living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This cross-sectional study delves into the socioeconomic disparities that impact health outcomes and sheds light on the potential barriers to maintaining a physically active lifestyle among adults managing this chronic condition.
While physical activity is unanimously acknowledged for its role in enhancing health in people with T1D, participation in such activities tends to intersect with socioeconomic factors, including education level. To investigate this association, the study engaged 324 adults with T1D who were recruited from outpatient clinics, including the Steno Diabetes Centre Aarhus, Nordsjællands Hospital in Denmark, and the Sheffield Diabetes and Endocrine Centre in the United Kingdom, from September 2019 to July 2021.
Participants self-reported their education level, categorized as low, medium, or high. At the same time, their physical activity levels were quantified using The Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale, categorizing into high or low levels of physical activity.
A Closer Look at the Study’s Findings
In the study’s demographic breakdown, participants presented a median age of 50 years, with an interquartile range of 30–60 years, and males constituted 54% of the sample population. Upon self-report, 10% had low education levels, 33% medium, and a notable 57% reported high education levels.
A logistic regression analysis, accounting for variables such as age, sex, cohabitation status, and nationality, revealed striking results. Individuals with a medium education level, as opposed to those with a high education level, demonstrated lower odds of engaging in a high level of physical activity (odds ratio [OR] 0.55 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32;0.94], p=0.029). Interestingly enough, this association was not evident when comparing low vs. high education levels concerning high physical activity (OR 0.56 [0.25; 1.29], p=0.173).
Implications of the Study
These findings underscore a critical concern for healthcare professionals and policymakers: there is a nuanced disparity in physical activity levels among people with T1D that correlates with their education status. The study’s results suggest that while individuals with a high education level are more likely to maintain a higher level of physical activity, this is not necessarily the case for those with medium or low education levels.
The researchers stress the importance of healthcare providers being cognizant of the physical activity levels among individuals with T1D, particularly given that regular exercise can significantly affect the management and complications of diabetes.
Significance and Response
This study, which received approval from the Danish Data Protection Agency (P-2016-48), adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the significant health disparities that exist related to socioeconomic status. The results draw attention to the need for targeted interventions and support systems that help bridge the gap, empowering those with medium and low education levels to access and participate in regular physical activity.
It’s an especially pressing issue in light of the increasing global prevalence of diabetes and the recognition of physical activity as an essential component of diabetes management. By addressing these disparities, healthcare systems could improve outcomes for a considerable demographic of the population living with T1D.
Future Directions
The study’s authors suggest that further research could be beneficial to unravel the causative factors behind the observed association and to identify effective strategies to foster greater physical activity among all education levels. There is also a need to explore other demographic variables and potential interactions that may further elucidate the relationship between socioeconomic status and physical activity in the context of diabetes.
Conclusion
The publication of this study in the *Canadian Journal of Diabetes* emphasizes an often-overlooked aspect of diabetes management: the impact of socioeconomic factors on lifestyle choices that are vital for health. As societies continue to grapple with public health challenges, studies like these shed critical light on how tailored approaches to education and support could enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions such as T1D.
References
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Keywords
1. Type 1 diabetes physical activity
2. Education level diabetes management
3. Socioeconomic factors diabetes
4. Diabetes exercise intervention
5. T1D health disparities