The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study evaluated almost 4,000 young men and women (aged 18-30) across a range of health and weight related measurements and behaviours, including treadmill fitness tests. The tests were repeated seven and then 20 years later.
The researchers found that twenty years on, those who had low aerobic fitness levels as young adults were two to three times more likely to develop diabetes than those who were fit.
Fitness can potentially protect against the risk of diabetes in a number of ways. It helps regulate weight, can improve insulin sensitivity in our muscles, and can reduce inflammation and the oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the body. The results from this study suggest that the role fitness plays regulating weight is particularly important.
The research suggests that schools can play a significant role in helping to future-proof children from a condition which is Australia's fastest growing chronic disease. While the vast majority of cases for type 2 diabetes occur in people over 40, more children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or its precursor, Metabolic Syndrome, than ever before.
The encouraging news is that even relatively moderate physical exercise, particularly when accompanied by moderate weight loss, can significantly reduce an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, according to Diabetes Australia, up to 60 per cent of cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle modifications.
It's never too late or too early to adopt an active lifestyle in order to improve your health and there's no better place than schools to put this message into action. Doing so will help our kids move towards a long and healthy future.
References:
Carnethon MR, Sternfeld B, Schreiner PJ, Jacobs DR Jr, Lewis CE, Liu K, Sidney S (2010) Association of 20-year changes in cardiorespiratory fitness with incident type 2 diabetes: the coronary artery risk development in young adults (CARDIA) fitness study. Diabetes Care 32(7):1284-8
Diabetes Australia. Diabetes in Australia. Viewed 23/03/10 Available at http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/Understanding-Diabetes/Diabetes-in-Australia/
Schools Can Make A Difference
Overweight Kids At Risk
Actively Avoid Diabetes
Exercise Assists Diabetes Management
