Diabetes risk factors and physical activity in African American girls

While pediatric obesity and diabetes rates have recently stagnated, their prevalence among African American girls continues to rise. Physical activity (PA) participation is one available strategy to lower these rates. However, African American girls engage in less PA compared to Caucasians. Low PA is associated with elevated fasting insulin levels, which indicates insulin resistance and diabetes development.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of a culturally-tailored dance intervention on insulin levels in preadolescent African American girls.

METHODS: Participants (n=10, age=8.2±1.3 years) were randomized to the intervention (INT, n=6): a 60-minute dance program 3 times per week for 12-weeks, or control (CON, n=4): concurrent homework tutoring and weekly health education newsletters. Blood samples, drawn by a trained phlebotomist, underwent Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) from which a change score was calculated between pre- and post-assessment. A two-tailed t-test measured change score differences between INT and CON.

RESULTS: The change score for INT was -12.4±14.1 mlU/L compared to 2.6±13.5 mlU/L in CON. There was no significant difference between INT and CON scores (t=1.68, p=0.13).

CONCLUSIONS: The non-significant decrease in insulin levels among INT participants fell below the 15 mIU/L insulin resistance cutoff that indicates diabetes development, which is promising. However, the small sample limits the conclusions. Improving blood draw incentives may increase participation in future studies. Further research with a larger sample is needed to determine if culturally-based dance interventions can reduce insulin resistance and diabetes risk.