Activity Levels and Healthcare Utilization: Associations in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: This study’s objective was to examine cross-sectional associations of device-measured physical activity with healthcare utilization among adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Methods: Healthcare utilization data included number of physician claims, type of physician service, number of emergency department visits, number of ambulatory care visits, and number of hospitalizations. Device-based physical activity and sedentary time were assessed using the ActiGraph® GT3X+ accelerometer. Results: For moderate vigorous physical activity and sedentary time, no statistically significant associations were found with healthcare utilization. For daily steps, ANOVA suggested higher step counts were associated with fewer physician claims and emergency department visits. Conclusion: Device-based MVPA and sedentary time were not associated with healthcare utilization. Daily steps was found to be significantly associated with physician claims and emergency department visits. Increasing walking may help reduce healthcare utilization in adults with T2D.