Freedom from diabetes

A study reported in the October 2003 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that regular exercise plays a large role in decreasing the risk of diabetes in individuals regardless of body weight.
This study examined the relation between physical activity, body mass index, and development of type II diabetes in a high-risk population. In this study, over 1,700 individuals were questioned on their leisure and occupational activities. During an average follow-up period of six years about 20 per cent of participants developed diabetes. Upon calculation, the authors of the study found that the diabetes incidence rate remained lower in men and women who were more active than those with less active lifestyles, regardless of whether they carried extra pounds.
Although obesity is a major risk factor in the development of type II diabetes, it appears that regular exercise lowers this risk for most overweight people. And keep in mind that by becoming more active on a daily basis you will not only decrease the risk of developing diabetes, but you may also lose some extra weight, even furthering your chances of remaining diabetes-free.