Association between physical activity and glycosylated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetic patients in a peruvian hospital, 2024

Lima S.A.N.; Arellan-Bravo L.; Vera-Gonzales G.D. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2025) · DOI: 10.12873/452arellan

Resumen

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease that compromises quality of life and represents a growing challenge for healthcare systems. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a key marker of glycemic control over the past three months. Physical activity is a fundamental non-pharmacological intervention to improve this parameter. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the level of physical activity and glycated hemoglobin in patients with T2DM treated at the Ramiro Prialé Prialé National Hospital in Huancayo, Peru, in 2024. Materials and Methods: Observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. A total of 109 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of T2DM were included. HbA1c levels were obtained from medical records and classified as “poor glycemic control” if the value was > 7%. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ, short version), and classified as low, moderate, or high according to energy expenditure (METs). Descriptive and bivariate analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test, and Spearman correlation was used for quantitative variables. Results: 59.63% of the participants were women. The average HbA1c was 8.47 ± 3.15%. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) was found in 53.21% of participants. According to the IPAQ, 43.12% had low physical activity, 42.20% moderate, and 14.68% high. A statistically significant association was found between the level of physical activity and glycemic control (p < 0.05). Additionally, a strong negative correlation was identified between HbA1c levels and total physical activity (rho = -0.8044; p < 0.001). Conclusions: A significant association was observed between the level of physical activity and glycemic control in patients with T2DM. Promoting physical activity programs is recommended as a complementary strategy to improve metabolic management in this population.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental