Author(s): JENKINS, J., GRIMMANT, T., COCKS, M., NARENDRAN, P., ANDREWS, R., SHIELDS, B., SCOTT, S., LUCAS, S., RENDEIRO, C., HESKETH, K., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 2503

INTRODUCTION:
Sedentary behaviour is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Laboratory-based evidence demonstrates that interrupting prolonged sitting improves glycaemic management without increasing hypoglycaemia risk. However, the acceptability and real-world feasibility of an intervention designed to break up sedentary time in adults with T1D remains unclear. This qualitative study aimed to explore the acceptability and perceived impact of a 4-week technology-supported Active Break intervention in adults with T1D.
METHODS:
Ten adults with T1D (7 male, 3 female) completed semi-structured interviews after a 4-week intervention consisting of 3-min self-paced walking every 30 min between 09:00–17:00, Monday–Friday (Active Breaks). Interviews (45–60 min) were conducted within 1-month post-intervention via Microsoft Teams, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A semi-structured topic guide explored experiences of living with T1D, usual sedentary patterns, integration of Active Breaks into daily life, perceived benefits and challenges, and views on the technology and remote support. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, with coding and theme development facilitated in NVivo (v15).
RESULTS:
Themes clustered around awareness, autonomy and sustainability. The intervention acted as a “wake-up call”, increasing awareness of sedentary time and its perceived glycaemic impact. Visual glucose and activity feedback reinforced links between inactivity and metabolic fluctuation, reframing movement as necessary rather than optional. Technology was largely supportive, though repeated prompts led to desensitisation over time. Participants adopted a pragmatic approach (“doing what I can”), adapting breaks around work demands, comorbidities, fatigue and hypoglycaemia risk. Short, low-intensity activity was perceived as achievable and “good enough”, supporting autonomy and self-efficacy. Reported benefits extended beyond glucose awareness to improved energy, mood and mental clarity. However, rigid work environments and the ongoing cognitive burden of living with T1D limited consistency. Sustained engagement was perceived to require greater personalisation, variation and social accountability.
CONCLUSION:
A technology-supported Active Break intervention was perceived as feasible, flexible and acceptable in adults with T1D. Increased awareness of sedentary behaviour and short-term activity improvements were reported, alongside perceived psychosocial and glycaemic benefits. Sustained engagement may require greater personalisation, adaptive prompting and integration of social support to minimise technology fatigue.