The relationship of diet and exercise for weight control and the quality of life gap associated with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
The demanding behavioral changes for weight control to manage diabetes might contribute to lower quality of life (QOL). This research examines whether the demands of diet and exercise contribute to lower QOL among persons with diabetes.


METHODS
Data were from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which measures days in the last month for poor physical health, poor mental health, limited activity, pain, depression, stress, poor sleep, and high energy, as well as weight control efforts.


RESULTS
Respondents with diabetes averaged more impaired days on every measure of QOL. Neither efforts to control weight nor dieting were related to any measure. Exercise was associated with reductions in impaired days on all measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Exercising to control weight had a powerful effect on reducing QOL differences while attempting to maintain or reduce weight, and dieting to do so had no effect.
Smith
David W
DW
Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA. smithd2@uthscsa.edu
McFall
Stephanie L
SL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss