Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Physical Activity Profile and Glycemic Control Among Qatari Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Effect of Vaccination Status

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of COVID-19, as an influent barrier on physical activity (PA) patterns and glycemic control in Qatari adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). As the COVID-19 vaccine may have a potential impact on an individual's lifestyle, we also considered this parameter. MethodsPhysical activity level, the exercise barriers (BAPAD1), anthropometric characteristics, the method of insulin administration, and the last glycated hemoglobin in % were completed by 102 Qatari adults with T1D. Moreover, all patients were asked whether they had been vaccinated or had a fear of being infected by COVID-19. ResultsFor the unvaccinated group, weight, BMI and HbA1c (%) were significantly higher than those of vaccinated group (p < 0.01) and engaged in less moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (p < 0.01) per week and had less time in vigorous PA (VPA) (p < 0.01). A significant association between VPA levels and BMI (beta = -0.36, p = 0.02) and HbA1C (%) (beta = -0.22; p = 0.03) was reported, and being vaccinated was significantly associated with MVPA (beta = 0.15; p = 0.021) and VPA (beta = 0.28; p = 0.032). A higher Fear of being infected by COVID-19 score was negatively correlated with reduced PA profiles (R2 = -0.71 for MVPA; R2 = -0.69 for VPA, p < 0.01, respectively). ConclusionPracticing VPA during the COVID-19 pandemic confer many health benefits for Qatari individual with T1D. As the Fear of being affected by COVID-19 appeared as a potential barrier to PA practices this latter e.g. PA, could likely not be achieved without the participants being vaccinated.

Automated summary

This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity patterns and glycemic control in Qatari adults with type 1 diabetes. It found that the unvaccinated group had higher weight, BMI, and HbA1c levels compared to the vaccinated group, and they also engaged in less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week and had less time in vigorous physical activity. Vaccination was significantly associated with higher levels of physical activity.