The study objective was to examine the association between depressive symptoms and exercise-related variables among individuals with Type 2 diabetes.

Surveys were completed by a convenience sample of 207 primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes (52% female; 95% white; mean age = 63 years). In addition to questions about perceived health status, measures used included those about depressive symptoms, history, and treatment, as well as exercise efficacy, exercise outcome expectations, and behavioral change.

Multiple linear regression was utilized to gauge the associations among the depression and exercise variables. Results showed that lower use of relapse prevention behavior was significantly associated with higher depression scores in a multivariate model. Persons with diabetes and depression experiencing barriers to exercise may be helped through interventions involving support, encouragement, motivation, and problem solving. Such strategies should assist with improving exercise self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and relapse prevention.