The prevalence of leisure-time physical activity among diabetics in South Carolina.

Background: Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death among South Carolinians. The benefit of physical activity on the control and prevention of diabetes has been established. This study determined the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity among South Carolinians with and without diabetes and compared the physical activity of those with diabetes between 1990 and 2000.

Methods: Data from the South Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to classify adults with and without diabetes into categories of physical activity.

Results: Physical inactivity was higher among South Carolinians with diabetes (42%) than in those without (27%). A comparison of physical activity in diabetics between 1990 and 2000 demonstrated a slight decrease (2%) in physical inactivity.

Conclusion: The decrease in physical inactivity among diabetics is encouraging; however, further promotion of physical activity is recommended to encourage diabetics to engage in physical activity on a regular basis.