M4 sphygmomanometer

Mean systolic blood pressure was taken from three consecutive seated brachial blood pressure measurements from the right arm of each participant using an Omron M4 sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure>140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg and/or current use of anti-hypertension medication. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated from fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels using the formula (Insulin x Glucose)/22.5 [18 (link)]. Hyperlipidaemia was defined as total cholesterol ≥6 mmol/L and/or current use of statin. We also had measures of tissue advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) accumulation available in most participants using the skin autofluorescence technique [19 (link)].

We used standardized questionnaires to record demographic and clinical information about duration of T2DM, years of formal education, health and medical history including vascular disease and risk factors, smoking, medication use, and alcohol use (g/day). We measured weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences and calculated Body Mass Index (BMI) as weight (kg)/height² (m²); habitual physical activity by calculating mean number of steps per day using a Yamax pedometer worn over a seven-day period; mood using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) [31 (link)]; and blood pressure (BP) using an Omron M4 sphygmomanometer in a sitting position as an average of 3 recordings from the right arm. Fasting plasma glucose was recorded using a Roche Cobas 6000 analyser with hexokinase determination and Hb_A1c using a Bio-Rad D10 analyser.

Height was obtained using a Leicester height stadiometer. Weight was obtained using a Heine Portable Professional Adult Scale 737. Blood pressure was measured using an Omron M4 sphygmomanometer in a sitting position. Physical activity levels were obtained using a Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200 pedometer worn over 7 consecutive days. Self-reported history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, ischemic heart disease, smoking history, diabetes mellitus, stroke, current psychoactive and blood-pressure lowering medications were obtained using a standardized questionnaire. Independence in activities of daily living was obtained using the Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (brief version) [26] (link).