Pedometer-determined physical activity is linked to low systemic inflammation and low arterial stiffness in Type 2...

The aim of this study was to explore the association between pedometer-determined physical activity versus measures of obesity, inflammatory markers and arterial stiffness in people with Type 2 diabetes.

We analysed data from 224 men and 103 women with Type 2 diabetes, aged 54-66 years. Physical activity was measured with waist-mounted pedometers during three consecutive days and the number of steps/day were calculated and classified in four groups: < 5000 steps/day, 5000-7499 steps/day, 7500-9999 steps/day and ≥ 10000 steps/day. Blood samples were analysed for lipids, HbA(1c), inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. Nurses measured blood pressure and anthropometrics. Aortic pulse wave velocity was measured with applanation tonometry over the carotid and femoral arteries.

Mean steps/day was 7683 ± 3883 (median 7222, interquartile range 4869-10,343). There were no differences in age, diabetes duration, blood pressure, lipids or glycaemic control between the four groups of pedometer-determined physical activity. Subjects with higher steps/day had lower BMI (28.8 vs. 31.5 kg/m(2), P < 0.001), waist circumference (101.7 vs. 108.0 cm, P < 0.001), lower levels of C-reactive protein (1.6 vs. 2.6 mg/l, P = 0.007), lower levels of interleukin-6 (1.9 vs. 3.8 pg ml, P < 0.001) and lower pulse wave velocity (10.2 vs. 11.0 m/s, P = 0.009) compared with less physically active people.

We conclude that physical activity measured with pedometer was associated not only with less abdominal obesity, but also with decreased systemic low-grade inflammation as well as with low arterial stiffness, in people with Type 2 diabetes.