Vigorous Physical Activity may be Important for the Insulin Sensitivity in Immigrants From the Middle East and Native Swedes

• Purpose: To compare physical activity measures and their associations with insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function and body mass index (BMI) between Iraqi immigrants and native Swedes. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 493 Iraqis (58% men) and 469 Swedes (54% men) aged 30 to 75 years living in the city of Malmo, Sweden. Accelerometry was used for physical activity measures (sedentary time, breaks in sedentary time, moderate and vigorous physical activity, total counts). Insulin sensitivity index and oral disposal index were determined from an oral glucose tolerance test and BMI by body weight and height. Results: Iraqi men were less physically active than Swedish men, while the physical activity was more similar in the women. BMI was a strong predictor of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function and frequently associated with the physical activity measures. BMI modified the associations of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function with the physical activity measures to such extent that only VPA and total counts show direct associations with insulin sensitivity in addition to the indirect associations via BMI. Iraqi women demonstrated weaker associations compared with Swedish women. Conclusions: Physical activity and performed at vigorous intensity may be important mainly for the insulin sensitivity in Iraqi immigrants and native Swedes.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsmedicin och miljömedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Health and Environmental Health (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Idrottsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Sport and Fitness Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

accelerometry

health behavior

metabolic health

sedentary behavior

ACTIVITY ENERGY-EXPENDITURE

BETA-CELL FUNCTION

SEDENTARY TIME

METABOLIC RISK

GLUCOSE-TOLERANCE

INTENSITY

ADULTS

RESISTANCE

EXERCISE

FITNESS

Public

Environmental & Occupational Health

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