Muscle Strengthening Activity, C-reactive Protein, And Diabetes

Abstract

PURPOSE: Examine the associations between muscle strengthening activity (MSA) and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) using a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (≥45 years of age) with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses utilized data from the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A dichotomous (yes/no) MSA variable was created based on self-reported participation over the past 30 days. Elevated CRP (>3.0mg/L) was based on current recommendations. Pairwise tests were performed to contrastotential differences when comparing measured (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] ≥ 126mg/dL, n=757) DM and self-reported physician diagnosed DM (n=1,390). RESULTS: The prevalence of elevated CRP concentrations was 50.1% and 50.4% in the populations with measured FPG and self-reported DM, respectively. In both groups the prevalence of elevated CRP was significantly lower in those reporting MSA compared to those reporting no MSA (FPG, 39.8% vs. 52.4%, p= 0.0142; Self-reported diagnosis, 42.9% vs. 51.9%, p= 0.0478). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of elevated CRP was significantly lower in those reporting engaging in MSA using subjective and objective measures of DM.