Family history of diabetes identifies a group at increased risk for the metabolic consequences of obesity and physical inactivity in EPIC-Norfolk: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interaction of a family history of diabetes w ith obesity and physical inactivity on diabetes prevalence in middle-aged a nd elderly men and women. DESIGN: A cross-sectional population-based study. SUBJECTS: 2912 men and 3561 women, aged 45-74 y. MEASUREMENTS: Body mass index (BMI), HbA(1C), self-administered questionnai re including questions on occupational physical activity and personal and f amily history of diabetes as part of the Norfolk arm of the European Prospe ctive Investigation into Cancer (EPIC-Norfolk). RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes increased in a dose-response relationsh ip with increasing BMI, There was an interaction between family history and obesity on diabetes risk in subjects with a BMI of greater than 27.5 kg/m( 2) (P = 0.049), Crude prevalence in individuals without a family history an d BMI of 22.5 - 24.9 kg/m(2) was 2.2% compared to 33.3% in those with a fam ily history and BMI over 35 kg/m(2). Thirty-eight percent of the excess ris k of diabetes in people with a family history could be avoided if their BMI did not exceed 30 kg/m(2). Individuals who reported sedentary occupations were at greater risk of diabetes compared to those reporting more active oc cupations. There was a synergistic effect of family history and self-report ed occupational physical activity on diabetes risk. CONCLUSION: Individuals with a family history of diabetes are at increased risk for the metabolic consequences of obesity and form an easily identifia ble group who may benefit from targeted intervention to prevent the develop ment of obesity through increased physical activity.