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.
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