A Cross-sectional Study on the Impact of Educational Status on Physical Activity Level in Danish and English Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Objectives: Physical activity is associated with improved health in people with type 1 diabetes. However, physical activity level may be associated with socioeconomic status. The primary aim was to investigate the association between education level and physical activity level amongst people with type 1 diabetes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data on physical activity level (high or low) was measured using the Saltin–Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale, and education level (low, medium, or high) was self-reported. Results: Respondents were recruited from outpatient clinics (Steno Diabetes Centre Aarhus (DK), Nordsjællands Hospital (DK) or Sheffield Diabetes and Endocrine Centre (UK)), by healthcare personnel from September 2019 to July 2021. 324 people with type 1 diabetes were included (54% male, median age 50 years (IQR 30-60)). Education level was low in 10%, medium in 33%, and high in 57%. A logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, cohabitation status and nationality, found that a medium vs. high education level was associated with lower odds of a high physical activity level OR 0.55 [95% CI 0.32;0.94], p=0.029, while no association was found for low vs. high education level with high physical activity level (OR 0.56 [0.25; 1.29], p=0.173). Conclusions: Medium education level compared with a high education level was associated with a lower level of physical activity in people with type 1 diabetes. Healthcare professionals are advised to be attentive of physical activity levels amongst people type 1 diabetes. The study was approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency: P-2016-48.s Sponsor: Peter Lommer Kristensen.