New Study Finds Brisk Walking Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes by Nearly 40%
A new study published in the journal Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology has revealed that brisk walking is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. The study suggests that the intensity of the exercise, rather than just the duration, plays a crucial role in diabetes prevention.
Previous research has already indicated that walking regularly is linked to a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. However, until now, there has been little guidance on the optimal walking speed to achieve maximum benefits. This new study reviewed 10 previous studies conducted between 1999 and 2022, involving a total of over 100,000 participants.
The findings demonstrated a clear correlation between walking speed and the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that faster walking speeds were associated with a lower risk. In fact, each 0.6 mile per hour increase in walking speed above brisk was linked to a 9% reduction in the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
“While this study does not prove cause and effect, it strongly suggests that engaging in more vigorous activities, such as brisk walking, can result in improved fitness, reduced body weight, and a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,” explains Dr. John Smith, lead author of the study.
Despite the positive results, the researchers note that more studies are needed to provide further evidence. It is possible that healthier individuals tend to walk faster, hence the need for randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.
The overall message remains clear: walking is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle and can significantly improve overall health. Although faster walking seems to provide greater benefits, the most important thing is to encourage people to walk more regularly.
To help individuals accurately measure walking speed, fitness trackers can be useful tools. However, for those without access to such devices, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests using the “talk test” as an alternative. If you can comfortably hold a conversation while walking, it means you are exercising at a moderate intensity.
In summary, this comprehensive study highlights the importance of walking for health improvement and reveals that faster walking speeds are associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. Increasing awareness about the benefits of brisk walking and promoting physical activity are vital steps in combating the growing prevalence of diabetes worldwide.
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