Barriers and enablers to physical activity in type 1 diabetes: A mixed‐methods study of adults and parent‐reported child perspectives in the UK
Authors' conclusion
This is one of the first UK-based studies to comprehensively compare barriers and enablers across age groups. Stigma in physical activity and sports settings emerges as a major, under-recognised barrier requiring urgent attention. Multilevel interventions are required, targeting individual knowledge and motivation alongside systemic changes. These should include mandatory diabetes education for coaches and teachers, policy enforcement to address discrimination and enhanced healthcare provider support for physical activity.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with T1D and parents of children with T1D in the UK, surveyed via BreakthroughT1D (formerly JDRF) networks, December 2022–January 2023responses analysed
- Participants
- 311 adults
- Exposure
- Adults with T1D vs parent-proxy responses for children with T1D
- Adultsn = 182
- Parent proxiesn = 129
- Outcome
- Barriers and enablers to physical activity
Methodological detailsmixed-methods, survey, COM-B model and socioecological framework
- Mixed-methods
- Survey
- COM-B model and socioecological framework
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Stigma and negative comments reported in both groups
- nearly three-quarters
- Fear of hypoglycaemia, adults (more frequent in adults)
- 53%
- Lack of motivation, adults (more frequent in adults)
- 39%
- Lack of education among coaches, parent proxies (more frequent in parent proxies)
- 31%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Barriers and enablers to physical activity in type 1 diabetes: A mixed‐methods study of adults and parent‐reported child perspectives in the UK. Diabet Med. Published 19 June 2026. doi:10.
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