Survey of exercise and dietary knowledge and behaviour in persons with type II diabetes.

A survey was conducted to assess the potential for an exercise and weight control program for persons with Type II diabetes. Questionnaires were sent to 1,000 individuals with diabetes, who were randomly selected from the provincial health records office. Physicians and dietitians were the primary sources of information about both exercise and diet. Although few respondents participated in organized (7.7%) or informal (36.8%) exercise programs, or expressed an interest in participating (36.8%), the majority (84.0%) believed that they should get more exercise. This points to a gap between attitude and behaviour. Activity preferences were similar to those reported previously for all Canadians, however, barriers to participation differed in the present group. It was concluded that barriers must be assessed, and behaviour modification included, if diet and exercise programs are to be successful in this population.