Self-reported low physical function is associated with diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance in HIV-positive and HIV-negative men

Aim: To investigate the association between self-reported physical function (as a surrogate for physical activity) and diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin resistance (IR) among HIV-positive and -negative men. Method: A total of 384 HIV-negative and 274 HIV-positive men from the Pitt Men's Study contributed data. DM was defined by fasting serum glucose levels. IR was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment. The Physical Functioning 10 Scale from the Short Form-36 Health Survey measured physical function. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the independent association between physical function and DM and IR. Results: Physical function, older age and Black race were associated with DM in multivariate analyses. Physical function/HIV interaction, older age, higher body mass index, HIV infection and Black race were associated with IR in multivariate analyses. Conclusion: Self-reported low physical function is associated with DM and IR in HIV-negative and -positive men.