The Association between Physical Activity and the Metabolic Syndrome among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Gaza Strip, Palestine

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a major health problemworldwide. Globally, the World Health Organization identifiedphysical inactivity as the fourth leading risk factor for mortality.This study was conducted to evaluate the association betweenphysical activities and metabolic syndrome and diabetescomplications among type 2 diabetes patients in Gaza Strip,Palestine.METEHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among1200 previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (fromboth genders, aged 20 to 64 years) receiving care in the primaryhealth care centers. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on theInternational Diabetes Federation criteria. The InternationalPhysical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure physicalactivity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.RESULTS: A significant inverse association was found betweeninactive patients and metabolic syndrome. In our study, 93.7% ofinactive patients, 66.4% of active patients and 23.5% of very activepatients had metabolic syndrome (OR .048 CI 95% (.03-.072)), (OR.787 CI 95% (.59-1.03)) and (OR 15.9 CI 95% (11.8-21.3))respectively. Our results showed a significant inverse associationbetween physical activity levels and anthropometric measurementsin both gender. Moreover, a significant association was foundbetween physical activity levels and triglycerides, HDL-cholesteroland blood pressure in both sexes (P value < 0.05 for all) anddiabetes complications (P value < 0.05 for all).CONCLUSION: We conclude that low levels of physical activityare associated with increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome.Furthermore, inactive patients had a high percentage of diabetescomplications among type 2 diabetes patients in Gaza Strip,Palestine.