Barriers to exercise in obese patients with type 2 diabetes

Background: Although regular exercise is a critical component of the management of type 2 diabetes, many patients do not meet their exercise targets. Lack of exercise is associated with obesity and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Aim: We aimed to assess exercise habits in obese Irish patients with type 2 diabetes to determine if patients are adhering to exercise guidelines and to identify perceived barriers to exercise in this group. Design: A cross-sectional study of obese patients with type 2 diabetes attending routine outpatient diabetes clinics at our institution, a public teaching hospital located on the outskirts of Dublin City. Methods: A total of 145 obese patients with type 2 diabetes were administered a questionnaire to evaluate exercise habits and perceived barriers to exercise. Anthropometric details were measured. Results: About 47.6% (n = 69) of patients exercised for