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New study links physical inactivity to increased type 2 diabetes risk

Category: Diabetes

As further proof that positive HbA1c tests indicating the presence of type 2 diabetes are largely preventable, new research has shown that physical inactivity has a direct impact on a person’s ability to control their blood sugar levels.

Researchers from the University of Missouri showed that after just three days of limiting their physical activity, participants had significantly impaired post-meal glucose control. However, these changes were reversed after just moderate exercise.

"A single bout of moderate exercise can improve the way the body maintains glucose homeostasis (blood glucose regulation) and reduce post-prandial glucose, but becoming inactive for a short period of time quickly disrupts glucose homeostasis," said lead author John Thyfault. "This study shows that physical activity directly impacts health issues that are preventable."

He added that with skyrocketing type 2 diabetes rates, more needs to be done to prevent the condition. The findings suggest that encouraging people to become more physically active may be a good place to start.

The last estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that 79 million people in the U.S. have prediabetes, a condition characterized by abnormal glucose levels that often develops into type 2 diabetes.