Nitrogen dioxide exposure attenuates or even reverses the association between physical activity and fasting plasma glucose levels in non-diabetic elderly Chinese adults
Abstract Background The combined effects of physical activity (PA) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels have rarely been studied. This study aimed to examine whether long-term exposure to NO2 attenuates the association between PA and FPG levels in non-diabetic older adul...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-03-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22050-6 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background The combined effects of physical activity (PA) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels have rarely been studied. This study aimed to examine whether long-term exposure to NO2 attenuates the association between PA and FPG levels in non-diabetic older adults. Methods A total of 2600 non-diabetic elderly Chinese adults were included in this cross-sectional study. PA data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The Space-Time Extra-Trees model was utilized to estimate the annual concentration of NO2. General linear regression models were used to assess independent and interaction associations of long-term exposure to NO2 and PA with FPG levels. An interaction plot was employed to enhance the visual representation of the interaction. Results A 0.32 µg/m3 increase in the 3-year average NO2, corresponding to one interquartile range (IQR), was positively associated with FPG levels (β = 0.099 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.069–0.130). PA exhibited a negative, albeit non-significant, association with FPG levels (β = -0.027 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.069, 0.015). A statistically significant interaction between PA and NO2 on FPG levels was observed (P for interaction = 0.016). The interaction plots revealed that the beneficial effects of PA on FPG levels were attenuated or even reversed as NO2 concentrations increased, with a threshold for reversal at 33.02 µg/m3. Conclusions Long-term exposure to NO2 attenuates or reverses the beneficial effects of PA on FPG levels in non-diabetic older adults. Therefore, further action is imperative to reduce air pollution and thereby enhance the benefits of PA on FPG levels. |
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| ISSN: | 1471-2458 |