Association of physical activity with risk of type 2 diabetes

Physical activity has shown to prevent type diabetes 2. However, the type, intensity and amount of effective physical activity as well as individuals' needs according to level of their risk for type 2 diabetes have not been clarified comprehensively. This study investigated a relation between moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes among obese and non-obese residents of south of Tehran, Iran. This study, which was a part of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors Survey in Tehran population Lab region, was designed and conducted based on MONICA/WHO project. Totally, 1552 adult inhabitants of 17[th] district of Tehran were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity was assessed by MONICA Optional Study of Physical Activity questionnaire. Diabetes was defined as a history of a prior diagnosis of diabetes or fasting serum glucose >/= 126 mg/dl. All data analyses were conducted using SPSS 17 software for Windows. In a multivariate model, moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week was significantly associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in all and non-obese subjects [OR= 0.56; 95%CI: 0.35-0.91 and OR= 0.50; 95%CI: 0.26-0.94, respectively]. There was no significant relation between the physical activity and type 2 diabetes risk in obese subjects [OR=0.64; 95%CI: 0.30-1.39]. Moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week was significantly associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in non-obese people and could be an acceptable exercise goal for these individuals. However, obese people should be investigated more to produce a tailored exercise guideline to this population at high risk of type 2 diabetes

[Prevalence of hypertension and correlated risk factors among 25-64 aged inhabitants of tehran university of medical sciences population lab region]

Introduction: hypertension is the most important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Hypertension is the leading global risk factor for mortality and as the third leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease burden. This survey has been conducted to determine the prevalence of hypertension among the inhabitants of 25-64 aged in 17th zone of Tehran, selected as Population Lab Region

Methods: in a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted based on MONICA/WHO project, blood pressure measured with standard sphygmomanometer in sitting position after 10 minutes of resting in 1573 people. Blood samples collected in Venoject tubes for laboratory evaluation. Analysis was performed using the more conservative threshold of SBP >/= 160 mm Hg and/or DBP>/= 95 mm Hg according to the criteria of the World Health Organization [WHO]

Results: a total of 1573 persons [615 men and 958 women] were evaluated. Hypertension prevalence [SBP>/=160 or DBP>/=95 or using antihypertensive drugs] was 29% in men and 34.8 in women. There was a significant correlation between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and BMI [p<0/0001]. 58% of men and 55.8% of women with hypertension were obese [35>BMI>27].The mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure had meaningful correlation with cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TG and homocysteine

Conclusion: these results revealed that the prevalence of hypertension among this population was greater than supposed. The hypertension trend from 1992 is rising. Obesity is one of the most important associated risk factors of hypertension. High prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors is a matter of concern to this population

[Evaluation of total plasma homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 in 25-64 aged inhabitants of Tehran University of medical sciences population lab region]

Introduction: elevated plasma total homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a sensitive marker of vitamin B12 and folate insufficiency. Folate and vitamin B12 have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease. This effect may be partly explained by mechanisms independent of homocysteine. This survey is the first population based study to evaluate the plasma total homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 in 1214 healthy Iranian persons

Methods: this study which was a part of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors Survey in the Population Lab region, has been designed and conducted based on MONICA/WHO project. A total of 1214 people have been recruited and assessed on serum homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 with interview, questionnaires, examination and blood sampling. Blood samples were gathered in Venoject tubes and analyzed according to standard methods

Results: the variables were assessed in 1214 participants include 428 men [35.3%] and 786 women [64.7%]. Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 96.4% in men and 83.3% in women [p<0.0001]. Geometric mean of serum homocysteine was 19.02 +/- 1.46 [micro]mol/l in men and 14.05+/- 1.45 [micro]mol/l in women [p<0.004] and increased with age. Folic acid deficiency was seen in 527 [98.9%] men and 833 women [98.0%]. 161 [30.1%]men and 232[27.2%] women had vitamin B12 deficiency

Conclusion: these results revealed that the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency was higher than other communities considerably. Preventive interventions as food fortification with folic acid is necessary