Exercising 150 Minutes Weekly, Even in 1-2 Sessions, Can Reduce Mortality Risk in People with Diabetes
Recent studies reveal that just 1-2 exercise sessions per week can significantly reduce mortality risk in individuals with diabetes, offering a flexible approach to achieving health benefits.
Exercise and Diabetes: A Path to Reduced Mortality
Exercising as little as 150 minutes per week may significantly lower the risk of death for individuals with diabetes, according to recent research. Notably, even those who complete their weekly exercise in 1-2 sessions — known as 'weekend warriors' — can achieve comparable health benefits to those who exercise regularly throughout the week.
Key findings include:
- Participation in physical activity reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks.
- 'Weekend warriors' experienced a 33% reduction in death risk, similar to regularly active individuals.
- Even insufficient activity — less than 150 minutes weekly — offers some protection over inactivity.
The study analyzed data from over 51,000 adults with self-reported diabetes, showing that integrating physical activity into daily routines is vital for health. Experts highlight that this flexible exercise pattern can help those with busy schedules or mobility issues maintain cardiovascular health.
Expert Insights
Cheng-Han Chen, MD, stressed the importance of regular physical activity for reducing cardiovascular risks in diabetics, emphasizing public health efforts to encourage active lifestyles.
Practical Takeaway
You don’t need to exercise every day; concentrated exercise sessions on weekends can still provide substantial health benefits, making physical activity more approachable for many.
Supporting Views
Healthcare professionals agree that even small amounts of movement are better than none, and adopting flexible exercise routines can make sustained healthy habits more achievable.
References
- Study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine
- International Diabetes Federation & WHO statistics on diabetes prevalence
"Any amount of physical activity is better than none," says researcher Zhiyuan Wu, PhD.
Engage in moderate-to-vigorous activities like brisk walking, jogging, or sports to help improve your health today.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Every Type of Exercise Benefits Older Adults' Health, New Study Finds
A comprehensive study reveals that all forms of physical activity, even light exercises and reduced sitting time, significantly improve health outcomes for older adults, lowering disease risk and promoting healthier aging.
Daily Exercise Linked to Improved Sleep Quality in Young Adults
Daily physical activity, even in brief doses, can enhance deep sleep quality in young adults, leading to better mood and mental health. New research highlights the importance of spreading out exercise throughout the week for optimal sleep benefits.
Proper Warm-up Techniques Enhance Muscle Performance and Prevent Injuries
Effective warm-up routines, involving active or passive methods, can significantly boost muscle performance and prevent injuries by increasing muscle temperature before exercise.
Maintaining Fitness in Older Age Supports Brain Regions Involved in Word Retrieval
Regular moderate exercise in older adults enhances brain activity related to language, reducing 'tip-of-the-tongue' moments and supporting cognitive health. Discover how staying active benefits your brain with recent research findings.