In their continuous efforts to address Bahrain’s healthcare priorities, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) and the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) are collaborating on a joint research project to measure the physical activity of Bahraini patients with Type 2 diabetes and explore psychological and environmental factors which influence their behaviour. With 15% of Bahrain’s population suffering from Type 2 diabetes, the ultimate goal of this project is to develop standard interventions to support in decreasing sedentary behaviour and potentially improve the incidence rate of type 2 diabetes in the Bahraini population.

Individuals with Type 2 diabetes tend to be less physically active than individuals who do not have the condition. The benefits of regular physical activity on Type 2 diabetic patients include reduced blood sugar levels, triglycerides, blood pressure, percentage of body fat and insulin resistance. Furthermore, sedentary behaviour is associated with higher risks of mortality and morbidity among Type 2 diabetics.