PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PREVALENCE AND BARRIERS AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS, KUDAI AND AL-HIJRA PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTER, MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA

Physical activity (PA) is an integral part of T2DM management.PA has important benefits to T2DM patients. Not only improving glycemic control and reducing glycosylated hemoglobin (4). But also reducing patientsÂ' mortality risks (20 to >37 % reduction). provides beneficial cardiovascular outcomes (5) improves insulin secretion and helps patients control their body weight.In our study we assessed the prevalence of physical activities among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to assess the barriers that prevents them from physical activities by using a valid questionnaire called International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).result: total of 157 participants included in this study. 51.6% was involved in low level of physical activity while 28.7% in moderate activity and 19.7% in high level of physical activity. Commonest reported barriers of practicing physical activity among type 2 diabetic patients were Laziness, lack of energy (40.8%), health related issues (38.9%), lack of nearby dedicated facilities (30.6%), lack of time (29.9%) and weather conditions (27.4%). Female patients were more likely than males to feel uncomfortable to engage in exercise in public areas (21.9% vs. 6.5%), Conclusion, level of physical activity among type 2 diabetic patients was significantly related to age, educational level, occupation and working hours/day and was generally low in more than half of the patients.