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The association of levels of physical activity with metabolic syndrome in rural Australian adults

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The association of levels of physical activity with metabolic syndrome in rural Australian adults Authors: Vaughan, Clare Maree; Schoo, Adrian Martinus M; Janus, Edward Denis; Philpot, Benjamin Joel; Davis-Lameloise, Nathalie; Lo, Sing Kai; Laatikainen, Tiina K M; Vartiainen, Erkki; Dunbar, James Anthony Abstract: Physical activity (PA) reduces risk factors related to metabolic syndrome. Rurality influences the way people incorporate physical activity into daily life. The aim of this study is to determine the association of PA level with metabolic syndrome in a rural Australian population. The influence of adiposity on these associations is also investigated. Three cross-sectional population health surveys were conducted in south-east Australia during 2004–2006 using a random population sample (n = 1563, participation rate 49%) aged 25–74 years. PA was assessed via a self-administered questionnaire, and components of the metabolic syndrome via anthropometric measurements taken by specially trained nurses and laboratory tests. Approximately one-fifth of participants were inactive in leisure-time and over one-third had metabolic syndrome (men 39%, women 33%; p = 0.022). There was an inverse association between level of PA and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001). Men who were inactive in leisure-time were more than twice as likely and women more than three times as likely to have metabolic syndrome compared with those having high PA. Body mass index (BMI) is a mediating factor in the association between level of PA and metabolic syndrome. Some PA is better than none if adults, particularly women, are to reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome and associated vascular diseases. Specialised interventions that take rurality into consideration are recommended for adults who are inactive.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of the GP

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of the GP Authors: Dunbar, James Anthony; Reddy, Prasuna; Audehm, Ralph Abstract: It is now over five years since clinical trials in China, Finland, India and the USA have shown that type 2 diabetes may be, at least in theory, preventable through lifestyle change. Two implementation trials regarding the prevention of diabetes, the first conducted in Finland and the second, the Greater Green Triangle Diabetes Implementation Trial in Victorian and South Australian General Practices, have now shown what can be done in clinical practice.

Scaling up Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Programs: National and State Interventions in Australia

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Scaling up Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Programs: National and State Interventions in Australia Authors: Dunbar, James Anthony; Colagiuri, Stephen; Reddy, Prasuna; Vita, Philip; Timoshanko, Amy; Audehm, Ralph; Milat, Andrew Abstract: Australia has one of the world's largest systematic, government-funded diabetes prevention programs. This chapter describes a federally-funded national program, a state-funded program in Victoria and an implementation trial in New South Wales. A coincidence of events, influential individuals and policy directions has led to these initiatives.

Supporting Behaviour Change for Diabetes Prevention

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Supporting Behaviour Change for Diabetes Prevention Authors: Greaves, Colin J; Reddy, Prasuna; Sheppard, Kate Abstract: Changing an existing habit requires people to establish a motivation or intention to change, make decisions and action plans, recognise and overcome barriers (both practical and psychological), initiate the new routine, and then to maintain the new routine, resisting temptations to relapse back to former habits. There is great potential for individual variation in motivations, as well as numerous social, environmental, and psychological factors which might facilitate or hinder efforts to make change. Approaches for supporting changes in diet and physical activity, as used in practice, vary from simple information-giving to more intensive programmes, which may or may not be based on theoretical models of behaviour change.