Association between physical activity and diabetes mellitus: mediation analysis involving Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index in a cross-sectional NHANES study

This study investigated the relationship among PA, SII and DM. We provide robust evidence supporting the inverse association between PA and DM risk while highlighting the mediating role of inflammation, as reflected by SII. These findings contribute valuable insights to inform public health strategies and clinical interventions aimed at reducing the global burden of DM.