Physical Activity Pattern, a Modifiable Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among Mothers in Kerala

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has grown to epidemic proportions placing India as the world capital of Diabetes. Over 387 million worldwide have DM thus imposing a heavy burden on the global nations. Physical activity is a key determinant for T2DM.

of the study was to identify the activity pattern of mothers of adolescent children.

Using a multistage stratified random sampling, 104 mothers from urban and rural areas of a selected district of Kerala were studied using a modified, validated Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Data was analyzed using SPSS 18.

Majority subjects were Christian (65.4%), from rural areas (74%), having mean age of 41yrs, belonging to nuclear families (61.5%), with post-graduate qualification (44.2%) and working as teachers (55.8%). Family history of DM seen in 67.31% with 12.5% being unaware of their diabetic status, 37.5% had other health problems and 16.3% were on medications. Activities include household work; cooking (80.8%), house cleaning (74%), washing and ironing (63.5%), gardening (38.55%), regular work (65.4%), farming (19.2%) and morning walk (39.4%); with more walking in urban (48.8%) than rural (38.8%) area. Some reported doing manual labor (20.9%)-wood cutting, farming and grass cutting-daily (8.7%) or weekly (59.6%). Besides housekeeping, a few used the treadmill. Domestic appliances were used by 51% subjects to conserve effort and energy. Leisure time of mothers was spent on entertaining guests, phone calls, television or computer; with children spending time on studies, mobile phone, television or computer, while neither spent time on recreational physical activities.

Inactivity in middle age contributes to "diabesity and metabolic syndrome, the precursors of T2DM. Maternal activities are pivotal to familial health. Awareness, appropriate training and support might kindle motivation to spread across the society.