The Impact of Gender on Physical Activity Preferences and Barriers in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Current exercise recommendations for people with type 1 diabetes (PWT1D) are based on research involving primarily young, fit male participants. Recent studies have shown possible differences between male and female blood glucose response to exercise, but little is known about whether those differences are sex-related (due to physiological differences between male and female participants), or gender-related (behavioural differences between men and women).

METHODS: To better understand gender-based behavioural differences surrounding physical activity (PA), we asked men and women (n=10 each) with T1D to participate in semi-structured interviews. Topics discussed included motivation and barriers to exercise, diabetes management strategies, and PA preferences (type, frequency, duration of exercise, etc.). Interview transcripts were coded by two analysts before being grouped into themes.

RESULTS: Six themes were identified impacting participants PA experience: Motivation, fear of hypoglycemia, time lost to T1D management, medical support for physical activity, the role of technology in PA accessibility, and desire for more community. Gender differences were found in motivations, medical support, and desire for more community. Women were more motivated by directional weight dissatisfaction, and men more motivated to stay in shape. Men felt less supported by their healthcare providers than women. Women more often preferred to exercise in groups, and sought more community surrounding T1D and PA.

CONCLUSION: While men and women with T1D experience similar barriers around PA, motivation, desire for community, and perceived support from medical providers differ.