Free-living physical activity energy expenditure is strongly related to glucose intolerance in cameroonian adults independently of obesity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE- We examined the cross-sectional association between objectively measured free-living physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and glucose tolerance in adult Cameroonians without known diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS- PAEE was measured in 34 volunteers using the doubly labeled water method and indirect calorimetry (resting). Fasting blood glucose and 2-h postload blood glucose were measured during a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS- There was a significant negative correlation between PAEE and 2-h glucose (r = - 0.43; P = 0.01) but not fasting glucose (r = 0.1; P = 0.57). The inverse association between PAEE and 2-h glucose remained after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, and BMI (β= - 0.017 [95% CI -0.033 to-0.002]) and was unchanged after further adjustment for waist circumference, body fat percentage, or aerobic fitness. CONCLUSIONS- PAEE is inversely associated with 2-h glucose independently of adiposity or fitness. Interventions aimed at increasing PAEE could play an important role in diabetes prevention in developing countries. © 2009 by the American Diabetes Association.