Physical Activity Crucial for Type 2 Diabetes Management, Expert Opinion Survey Reveals

Strategic Insights -

A comprehensive expert opinion survey on physical activity as a clinical practice care for patients with type 2 diabetes has been published, highlighting the vital role of physical activity in managing the condition. The study, conducted across diverse clinical settings, involved 363 healthcare and physical activity professionals. The participants overwhelmingly supported the inclusion of physical activity in healthcare and reimbursement for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that healthcare professionals acknowledge the role of physical activity in type 2 diabetes treatment but face notable barriers in implementing structured physical activity services.
  • Around 70% of physicians endorsed regular physical activity recommendations, while 57% advocated for a multidisciplinary approach to physical activity prescription, incorporating aerobic, strength, and stretching training.
  • Exercise physiologists (30%) and physiotherapists (28%) were deemed most qualified to instruct type 2 diabetes patients in physical activity, followed by physicians (15.7%).
  • The majority (97.8%) of healthcare professionals supported the inclusion of physical activity in healthcare, while 77% advocated for reimbursement for patients with type 2 diabetes.
  • Translating physical activity recommendations into clinical practice remains a significant challenge due to time constraints and patient-related factors, such as low responsiveness (43.8%) and limited awareness (33.3%).

Statistics:

  • 363 healthcare and physical activity professionals participated in the expert opinion survey.
  • The study found that 70% of physicians endorsed regular physical activity recommendations.
  • 57% of healthcare professionals advocated for a multidisciplinary approach to physical activity prescription.
  • 97.8% of healthcare professionals supported the inclusion of physical activity in healthcare.
  • 77% of healthcare professionals advocated for reimbursement for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Sources:

  • Physical activity as clinical practice care for patients with type 2 diabetic and its implementation in routine clinical care: an expert opinion survey. (2025). Frontiers in Endocrinology, 16, 1518285.
  • Reports from Kaplan Medical Center Add New Data to Findings in Type 2 Diabetes (Physical activity as clinical practice care for patients with type 2 diabetics and its implementation in routine clinical care: an expert opinion survey). (2025, October 13). Diabetes Week, p 421.