Physical activity to ward off diabetes risk

The team observed protective associations of physical activity, with each 1-unit increase in MET being associated with a 10 per cent and 9 per cent reduction in risk of Type 2 diabetes in the morning and afternoon, respectively

Morning and afternoon physical activity are better associated with a lower risk of developing Type-2 diabetes, according to a new study, led by researchers including one Indian-origin.

The new research, published in the journal Diabetologia, found no statistically significant association between evening physical activity and risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity is a preventive factor for Type 2 diabetes, but its timing and consistency (in contrast with overall sum of physical activity) has been relatively unexplored.

Researchers from Harvard University in the US analysed the relationship between morning, afternoon, or evening physical activity and consistency (routine) and risk of Type 2 diabetes.

"Our study showed an association with diabetes risk between morning and afternoon versus evening physical activity. The findings also suggest it is helpful to include some higher-intensity activity to help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and other cardiovascular disease," said Dr Chirag Patel, Harvard Medical School.

The team included 93,095 participants (mean age 62 years) without a history of Type 2 diabetes who wore a wrist-worn accelerometer for one week. They converted accelerometer information to estimate metabolic equivalent of task (MET) (a common measure of physical activity), adding up MET-hours of total physical activity, including chores, walking, and vigorous activity.

The team observed protective associations of physical activity, with each 1-unit increase in MET being associated with a 10 per cent and 9 per cent reduction in risk of Type 2 diabetes in the morning and afternoon, respectively.