Health professionals recently released a study that suggests that physical activity helps to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, in addition to the weight-loss benefits of exercise.
The study is a follow-up collection of data from the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study. The data specifically apply to preventing or delaying the development of type 2 diabetes among people who have high risks of developing the illness.
"These current results show that physical activity -- over an average of 12 years -- decreased the chances of developing diabetes even after considering any changes in weight,” Andrea Kriska, professor and one of the lead investigators, said. “This protective effect was greater in those who were less active at baseline. They also suggest that the lower development of diabetes across the entire study in those that took part in the lifestyle arm of the study may be partially explained by improvement in physical activity levels as well as weight loss.”
This is the first time that the benefits of physical activity have extended beyond weight loss for potential diabetics.
"Until now, the importance of physical activity in preventing diabetes development in the DPP was thought to be due to its role in achieving weight loss and weight maintenance; however, it was not considered a strong key factor alone," Kriska said. "It is important for health care professionals to look beyond their high-risk patients' weight, and also consider their physical activity levels, when discussing strategies to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes."
This information was released in a presentation at the American Diabetes Association’s 76th Scientific Sessions at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, which is based in New Orleans.
