A recent study has unveiled a powerful association between regular physical activity and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, even among individuals with a heightened genetic predisposition to the condition. Conducted over a period of up to seven years, the research examined 59,325 participants from the UK Biobank, who wore wrist-worn accelerometers to monitor their activity levels. The findings indicated that engaging in at least an hour of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity on a daily basis was linked to a remarkable 74% decrease in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, regardless of one’s genetic risk profile.
Can Exercise Mitigate the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?
According to a study carried out by the University of Sydney, individuals who engage in high levels of physical activity can significantly diminish their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if they possess a high genetic predisposition. The research highlighted that participating in over an hour of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise every day was associated with a noteworthy 74% reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the vital role of physical activity in preventing this condition.
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine on June 5, sheds light on the potential of physical activity to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, even among those who have a high genetic susceptibility to the disease.
Led by the University of Sydney, the research revealed a strong correlation between higher levels of overall physical activity, especially moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, and a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The study, which involved 59,325 adults enrolled in the UK Biobank, employed wrist-worn accelerometers to track activity levels at the study’s commencement and subsequently monitored health outcomes for up to seven years.
The UK Biobank is an extensive biomedical database and research resource that contains anonymized genetic information, as well as data on lifestyle and health from half a million UK participants.
This encompassed genetic markers associated with a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Participants with a high genetic risk score were found to have a 2.4 times greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a low genetic risk score.
The study demonstrated that engaging in more than an hour of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per day was associated with a remarkable 74% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared to individuals who engaged in less than 5 minutes of physical activity. These findings remained consistent even after accounting for other factors, including genetic risk.
Another compelling revelation was that participants with a high genetic risk, but who fell into the most physically active category, had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with a low genetic risk who fell into the least active category.
Associate Professor Melody Ding, a senior author from the Charles Perkins Centre and the Faculty of Medicine and Health, highlighted that while the influence of genetics and physical activity on the onset of type 2 diabetes is well established, previous data relied heavily on self-reporting, providing limited evidence regarding whether physical activity could counteract genetic risk.
“We cannot control our genetic risk and family history, but this finding brings promising and positive news that an active lifestyle can significantly mitigate much of the excessive risk for type 2 diabetes,” explained Associate Professor Ding.
Moderate-intensity physical activity refers to activities that induce perspiration and a slight shortness of breath, such as brisk walking and general gardening. Examples of vigorous-intensity physical activity include running, aerobic dancing, uphill cycling or fast-paced cycling, and strenuous gardening tasks like digging, all of which prompt heavy breathing and increased heart rate.
This study holds significant potential to inform public health guidelines. Diabetes remains a global public health concern, with 537 million adults worldwide diagnosed with the condition in 2021. In Australia alone, nearly 1.2 million individuals were recorded as living with type 2 diabetes in 2020.
The findings also carry personal significance for Associate Professor Ding, whose father was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in his sixties.
“The results of the study bring great reassurance to my family and myself, considering the history of type 2 diabetes on my dad’s side. As someone who already maintains an active lifestyle, I now have even more motivation to continue this healthy habit,” shared Associate Professor Ding.
PhD candidate Mengyun (Susan) Luo, who led the study, expressed her enthusiasm for sharing the research outcomes with a wide audience, emphasizing the health-enhancing benefits of physical activity, particularly for individuals with a high genetic risk. She encouraged people, regardless of family history, to commence physical activity today.
The research paper titled “Accelerometer-measured intensity-specific physical activity, genetic risk and incident type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study” was authored by Mengyun Luo, Chenhao Yu, Borja Del Pozo Cruz, Liangkai Chen, and Ding Ding and was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine on June 5, 2023.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Physical activity and type 2 diabetes prevention.
What is the connection between physical activity and the risk of type 2 diabetes?
Engaging in regular physical activity has been found to significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Even individuals with a high genetic predisposition for the condition can experience a reduced risk by participating in at least an hour of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise daily.
How was the study conducted?
The study involved 59,325 participants from the UK Biobank who wore wrist-worn accelerometers to monitor their activity levels over a period of up to seven years. Health outcomes were tracked, and genetic risk scores associated with type 2 diabetes were taken into account during the analysis.
What were the key findings of the study?
The study found that individuals who engaged in more than an hour of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily had a remarkable 74% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who engaged in minimal physical activity. This reduction in risk was observed regardless of the individual’s genetic risk profile.
Can physical activity counteract genetic risk for type 2 diabetes?
Yes, the study revealed that even individuals with a high genetic risk for type 2 diabetes can mitigate their risk through regular physical activity. Engaging in an active lifestyle has shown promise in “fighting off” the excessive risk associated with genetics.
What types of physical activity are beneficial for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes?
Both moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activities have been associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Examples of moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking and general gardening, while vigorous-intensity activities include running, cycling uphill, and aerobic dancing.
How can these findings inform public health guidelines?
The study highlights the importance of promoting higher levels of physical activity as a major strategy for preventing type 2 diabetes. Incorporating these findings into public health and clinical guidelines can help guide health professionals, organizations, and the general public in reducing the prevalence of this condition.
5 comments
Wow, this study shows dat exercize can really help to lower da risk of type 2 diabetes, even if ya got bad genes! Dat’s amazin’ news for anyone worried ’bout gettin’ it.
Thumbs up to dis research! It proves dat gettin’ off your butt ‘n movin’ can seriously slash da chances of developin’ type 2 diabetes. Time to lace up dem sneakers ‘n get active!
As someone wit’ a family history of type 2 diabetes, dis study brings a sense of hope ‘n motivation. It’s encouragin’ to know dat by stayin’ physically active, we can fight off dis risk ‘n take control of our health.
This article highlights how important it is to break a sweat ‘n get our heart pumpin’ for preventin’ type 2 diabetes. Let’s ditch da excuses ‘n make physical activity a priority in our lives!
Kudos to da researchers for provin’ dat exercise ain’t just ’bout lookin’ good, but it’s a powerful weapon against type 2 diabetes. Let’s spread da word ‘n encourage others to get movin’ for a healthier future!