Association of Physical Activity with Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Mexican-American Immigrants with Type 2 Diabetes

[PURPOSE] Mexican-Americans have higher rates of Type-2 Diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., impaired glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, and physical inactivity) as compared to Non-Hispanic Whites. This study investigated the effects of physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors and dietary habits in Mexican-Americans with T2D. [METHODS] Eighty three participants with T2D (male: 15, female: 68), aged 51.1 ± 9.6 years, were grouped by physical activity level: physically active (PA, n=47) and physically inactive (PIA, n=36). Survey data was collected via face-to-face interviews by ethnically similar interviewers; anthropometric characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors were also measured. [RESULTS] Physically active T2D Mexican Americans had significantly lower systolic blood pressure (OR 1.08; 95%CI 1.02-1.14) and waist-to-hip ratio (OR 0.04; 95% CI 0.01-0.64), and lower consumption of bread and tortillas (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.02-0.93) as compared to the PIA group, after controlling for lipids, dietary habits, and fasting glucose in the logistic regression model. [CONCLUSIONS] Physically active Mexican-Americans with T2D tend to have fewer cardiovascular risk factors than their inactive peers.