Prática de atividades físicas e custo do tratamento ambulatorial de diabéticos tipo 2 atendidos em unidade básica de saúde

objectives: to observe differences in healthcare costs according to the level of physical activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus. subjects and methods: a total of 121 type 2 diabetic patients were interviewed in two basic units of healthcare in bauru, brazil. physical activity level was assessed by a questionnaire carried out during an interview. costs of exams, medications and doctor and nurse visits were assessed for the previous year using invoices obtained from basic units of healthcare. results: sedentary type 2 diabetic patients presented higher costs for doctor visits (63%; p = 0.017) and medication to treat diseases other than diabetes (p = 0.001) than active patients. conclusions: sedentary type 2 diabetic patients presented higher healthcare costs related to doctor visits and medicine purchase.