Walking and inflammatory markers in individuals screened for type 2 diabetes

Citation

Yates T, Davies MJ, Brady E, Webb D, Gorely T, Bull F, Talbot D, Sattar N & Khunti K (2008) Walking and inflammatory markers in individuals screened for type 2 diabetes. Preventive Medicine, 47 (4), pp. 417-421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2008.06.015

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the association of walking activity with inflammatory markers and fasting insulin in a bi-ethnic population screened for type 2 diabetes in Leicester, United Kingdom, between 2005 and 2006. Method: Physical activity, adipocytokine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and fasting insulin measurements were available for 400 individuals screened for type 2 diabetes. Of the 400 participants, 56% were diagnosed with normal glucose control, 36% with prediabetes and 8% with diabetes. Results: Multivariate statistical analysis showed that those who reported walking for at least 30min on at least 5days/week had lower levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α compared to those who reported lower walking activity levels, after adjustment for other modes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, age, ethnicity, sex, social deprivation and smoking status. Further adjustment for waist circumference attenuated the association of walking with tumor necrosis factor-α. Conclusion: Walking activity, independent of other forms of physical activity, is associated with lower levels of circulating pro-inflammatory markers.

Keywords
Adipocytokine; C-reactive protein; Exercise; Inflammation; Insulin; Interleukin-6; Physical activity; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha; Walking

Journal
Preventive Medicine: Volume 47, Issue 4