en ورزش، تمرین و سلامتی Exercise, Training and Health مقاله اصیل Original Article <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background.</strong> The increasing prevalence and incidence of type 2 Diabetes has turned it into a worldwide epidemic. Although Physical Activity (PA) may play an essential role in the prevention and management of this disease, sedentary lifestyles continue to increase among diabetics. Besides, there is evidence to believe that diabetics and non-diabetics show different patterns of PA behavior, perceptions and information seeking.<br> <strong>Objectives.</strong> This study aims to analyze diabetics and non-diabetics differences regarding (1) PA patterns (level, barriers, goals/expectations and preferred activities); (2) PA-related information sources and (3) evidenced perception on the need and importance of PA.<br> <strong>Methods.</strong> Using data from 485 Portuguese subjects aged between 41 and 90 years old, differences between diabetics (n=85) and non-diabetics (n=400) were analyzed with Pearson&rsquo;s chi-square and independent t-test.<br> <strong>Results. </strong>The study concludes that 32% of diabetics that are physically inactive. Their attitude toward PA is not much different from non-diabetics. Nevertheless, the importance given to the time available and the schedules of activities as well as exercising with friends were more relevant for diabetics. Diabetics considered that the exercise is not safe for their health condition and present lower expectation towards exercise. Regarding information seeking behavior about PA, diabetics use as leading information source doctors and less online information.<br> <strong>Conclusion.</strong> Diabetics and non-diabetics give different importance to PA. Results establish a foundation for the development of effective tailored communication strategies to promote PA among the diabetics.</div> Diabetes, Physical Activity, Targeting 36 42 http://aassjournal.com/browse.php?a_code=A-11-753-5&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Maria Dulce Leal Esteves desteves@ubi.pt 10031947532846007287 10031947532846007287 Yes Department of Sport Sciences, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, Covilhã, Portugal Ricardo José Ascensão Gouveia Rodrigues desteves@ubi.pt 10031947532846007288 10031947532846007288 No Department of Business and Economics, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, Covilhã, Portugal Paulo Gonçalves Pinheiro desteves@ubi.pt 10031947532846007289 10031947532846007289 No Department of Business and Economics, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, Covilhã, Portugal Rui Miguel Marques Brás desteves@ubi.pt 10031947532846007290 10031947532846007290 No Department of Sport Sciences, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, Covilhã, Portugal Ana Isabel Antunes Dias Rodrigues Gouveia desteves@ubi.pt 10031947532846007291 10031947532846007291 No Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal Kelly de Lemos Serrano o´Hara desteves@ubi.pt 10031947532846007292 10031947532846007292 No Department of Sport Sciences, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, Covilhã, Portugal Paulo Alexandre de Oliveira Duarte desteves@ubi.pt 10031947532846007293 10031947532846007293 No Department of Business and Economics, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, Covilhã, Portugal