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.