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

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 (beta = -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.