Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and alterations in lipid and protein metabolism. Daily step count, measured using accelerometers integrated into wearable devices with artificial intelligence support, represents an important indicator of physical activity for the prevention and management of DM when performed regularly at a minimum daily volume. Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between daily step count and DM and to determine the daily step cutoff point necessary to provide a protective effect among participants in the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (LSAH). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study that analyzed data from Wave 3 (2016–2018), including 12,636 participants. DM was the dependent variable, assessed by laboratory tests, and daily step count was the independent variable, measured by accelerometry. Associations were assessed using logistic regression, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A significant association was observed between daily step count and DM (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.70–0.83). A cutoff point of 6880 steps/day was identified, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.58 (95% CI: 0.57–0.59). Conclusion: Daily step count appears to be associated with a protective effect against DM.
Hortélio et al. (Tue,) studied this question.