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Document Type

Conference Proceedings

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether meeting recommended physical activity guidelines is associated with the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among U.S. adults with diabetes. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 2,237 adults (≥18 years) with self-reported diabetes from NHANES 2015–2020. Pregnant individuals and those with incomplete diabetes status were excluded. Physical activity was measured with the Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized as meeting or not meeting guidelines (≥600 MET-minutes/week). DR status was based on self-reported clinician diagnosis. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographics, diabetes duration, treatment type, smoking, alcohol use, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, BMI, and healthcare utilization estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: 19.5% of participants had DR. Those not meeting physical activity guidelines had higher odds of DR (adjusted OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.07–2.60). Insulin-alone therapy (OR 3.71; 95% CI 1.99–6.89) and combined insulin and oral agents (OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.70–5.65) were also associated with increased DR odds. Other covariates were not statistically significant. Conclusion: These findings suggest that meeting physical activity guidelines may lower the risk of DR among adults with diabetes. Further research should examine exercise intensity and mechanisms underlying this relationship before routine implementation in clinical practice.

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