Title
Physical activity and type 2 diabetes
Research Area
Health
Author
Smith, A D et al; Diabetologia
Summary of Findings
Whilst a relationship between physical activity and type 2 diabetes is well established, the relationship between the condition and different levels of activity is less researched. This piece uses existing studies to examine any link between physical activity levels and risk of type 2 diabetes. Once the relevant articles were selected the physical activity measurements were converted to allow like for like comparison.
Analysis showed that participants achieving the equivalent to 150 min/week of moderate activity has a 26% lower risk of type 2 diabetes when compared to those who were inactive. As activity levels increased the reduced risk equally increased. For example, doubling activity provided a 36% risk reduction. Further investigation suggested that as the intensity of activity increased so did the benefits.
Implications
The effective dissemination of the growing body of evidence that links activity to the prevention and treatment of conditions such as type 2 diabetes is key. This sort of information needs to be cascaded from research journals to the trusted sources of information that have influence over our communtiies, such as healthcare professionals. ABC are developing a resource for health professionals to use that will arm them with the information and arguments they need to coach patients into making positive decisions about their health.
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