Aims To investigate changes in physical activity (PA) and psychological factors during societal lockdown in people with type 2 diabetes. Methods A cross-sectional study among Dutch adults with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected using online questionnaires. A multivariate multinomial logistic regression was performed with change in PA during societal lockdown as outcome and perceived change in stress, anxiety, perceived risk for COVID-19 infection, emotional well-being and former PA status as determinants. Results Five hundred and sixty seven respondents filled out the questionnaire, 536 were included in the final analysis: mean age of 65.9 +/- 7.9 years; mean diabetes duration 13.3 +/- 8 years; 54% men; 47% reported no change in PA, 27% became less active and 26% became more active during societal lockdown. Participants who were more likely to become less active were participants who experienced more stress (OR: 2.27; 95% CI 1.25-4.13) or less stress (OR: 2.20; 95% CI 1.03-4.71). Participants who were more likely to become more active were participants who experienced more stress (OR: 2.31; 95% CI 1.25, 4.26). Participants with higher emotional well-being (OR: 0.98; 95% CI 0.97, 0.99) were less likely to become less active than to report no change in PA. Conclusions Changes in PA in people with type 2 diabetes during societal lockdown are associated with changes in psychological factors such as perceived stress and emotional well-being. People with diabetes and their caregivers should be aware of these possible changes.