Research
Hormonal
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 33–50%, with high-risk individuals (obese or impaired glucose tolerance) deriving the greatest benefit.
If you are at high risk for type 2 diabetes, such as being obese or having impaired glucose tolerance, regular physical activity is one of the most effective steps you can take. It independently reduces your risk by 33–50%. Focus on establishing a regular activity routine.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Physical activity (independently) reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 33–50%. Those who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes (e.g. the obese and those with impaired glucose tolerance) can benefit most from physical activity.
Why this rating
The paper cites a specific, substantial percentage range, indicating strong evidence, though it is a summary.
Source
Physical activity and health
Lisa M Miles · Nutrition Bulletin · 2007
DOI 10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00668.x
narrative_reviewCited 302×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Regular moderate-intensity physical activity (e.g., walking) reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in a dose-dependent manner, with more intense or frequent exercise providing further risk reduction.Good
- Physical activity reduces the risk of obesity by preventing weight gain and aiding in the maintenance of weight loss, with 45–60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity daily likely necessary for prevention.Good
- Physical activity reduces the risk of colon cancer (especially in men) and breast cancer (especially in post-menopausal women), with consistent evidence for lung and endometrial cancers.Good
Related findings · Hormonal
- Initial treatment for type 2 diabetes should be a combination of metformin and either an SGLT-2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 receptor agonist to achieve cardiorenal protection, rather than monotherapy or older agents like sulfonylureas.Strong
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- Continued weekly administration of 2.4 mg subcutaneous semaglutide prevents weight regain and promotes further weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, whereas switching to placebo results in significant weight regain.Strong
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