Moderate physical activity reduces 10-year diabetes incidence: the mediating role of oxidative stress biomarkers

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of physical activity levels on 10-year diabetes incidence and investigate the potential mechanism. Methods: In 2001–2002, a random sample of apparently healthy 3042 men and women (18–89 years) was selected to participate in the ATTICA study. Several socio-demographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics were recorded. Physical activity level was recorded through a translated, validated, version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); MET min/week was calculated and quartiles constructed. Diabetes diagnosis was defined according to the ADA criteria. During 2011–2012, a 10-year follow-up was performed. Results: n = 191 cases were recorded, yielding an incidence of 12.9%. In multivariable analysis, moderate physical activity level (331–1484 MET min/week) was found to decrease 10-year diabetes incidence by 53% compared to very low physical activity (< 150 MET min/week) (OR = 0.47; 95% CI 0.24, 0.93). For high physical activity level (> 1484 MET min/week), the results were not significant. The antidiabetic effect was found to be mediated by oxidized LDL and total antioxidant capacity. Conclusions: The current work revealed the significant beneficial role of moderate physical activity against diabetes development, potentially through attenuating oxidative stress.