Accelerometer-assessed physical activity and depression among U.S. adults with diabetes

• Physical activity was inversely associated with depression symptoms.
• Glycohemoglobin was independently associated with depression symptoms.
• Those meeting physical activity guidelines had the lowest depression symptoms.

Statement of problemIn the general population, studies demonstrate a beneficial effect of physical activity in reducing depression symptoms; however, few studies have examined this relationship among adults with diabetes with none of these studies using an objective measure (e.g., accelerometer) of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between accelerometer-assessed physical activity and depression symptoms among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults with evidence of diabetes.MethodsData from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Adult participants with diabetes were included in the present study and wore an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer. The analytic sample included 372 adults with diabetes. Light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) intensity was determined from accelerometry.ResultsFindings showed that MVPA was inversely associated with depression symptoms, with the greatest magnitude of association occurring for those meeting physical activity guidelines. Also of importance was the independent positive association between A1C and depression, highlighting the importance of maintaining glycemic control, which can be accomplished with regular participation in physical activity, along with other strategies.ConclusionAdults with diabetes with greater depression symptoms engaged in less MVPA than those with less depression symptoms. Future studies, particularly longitudinal and experimental designs, are warranted.