Physical Activity and Type 2 Diabetes

Filed in archive Exercise , Research on December 21, 2008

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 6277927

The findings that increasing physical activity and limiting television may lead to reduction in type 2 diabetes isn't exactly new. The focus on the research by Boston University's Slone epidemiology Center are African-American women - which make up a significant percentage of the population in the United States affected by type 2 diabetes.

Using data collected through questionnaires in the Black Women's Health Study, (an ongoing prospective follow-up study of African-American women from across the U.S.), the researchers found that vigorous activity was inversely associated with a reduced risk of diabetes. Brisk walking (for five plus hours/week) was also associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, as compared to no walking.

Television watching was positively associated with an increased risk of diabetes. The researchers found the risk of type 2 diabetes was increased among women who spent an appreciable amount of time watching television. This increase was apparent whether or not a woman was physical active.

Well even without type 2 diabetes, the increased physical activity and less tv will do us all good.