Exercise to Reduce Prevalence of Diabetes

We have mentioned before that consistent exercise can help with the prevention of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, but have not gone into much discussion about diabetes specifically. Recently, a study has come out that looks at the relationship between exercise independently, and the development and reversal of Type 2 Diabetes. Many previous studies that have been published about Type 2 Diabetes looks at multiple health behaviors, not just exercise. 

Type 2 Diabetes is rapidly growing due to the rise in obesity levels and is projected to reach 600 million cases worldwide by the year 2035. Therefore, it is important to continue research and interventions for help prevent and treat this chronic disease. 

This particular study analyzed over 1 million people and found that people who exceed the minimum exercise requirements each week (420 minutes per week), have a lowered risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by 40%, where as only getting the minimum requirements (150 minutes per week) only lower their risk by 26%.

After seeing the results of this study, it is important for society to take this into consideration when creating behavior change models to slow down or reverse the global increase in Type 2 Diabetes.