Researchers from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada assessed the effect of two weeks of inactivity and recovery on blood sugar levels. For their study, they recruited 22 overweight, prediabetic older adults. The participants reduced their daily step count to less than 1,000 each day, which is the equivalent of the walking most sedentary people would do. Then, they returned to their normal activities for another two weeks to recover.
The researchers measured the activity levels of the participants using pedometers and special monitors. They also measured the blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity of the participants at the beginning of the study, after two weeks of limiting their activity, and after a further two weeks of more active recovery.
Results revealed that being inactive boosted the development of Type 2 diabetes. Some participants weren't able to reduce their blood sugar levels even after returning to normal activities within the two-week recovery period. (Related: Managing Diabetes Through The Use of Exercise.)
Although the researchers expected the participants to become diabetic, they did not expect to discover that the participants failed to return to their healthier state when they returned to normal activity. The researchers also explained that inactivity affects muscle mass and strength, and increases the risk of insulin resistance. Nonetheless, increasing activity, eating the right foods, and making healthy lifestyle changes are essential for people with prediabetes to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
More reasons to exercise
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests adults aged 18 to 64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week – but do you know why? Here are several more reasons why you should exercise regularly:
- Exercise is good for the brain: Exercising stimulates the body to produce chemicals that can help a person feel good, improving mood and increasing energy. It can also help people sleep better. In addition, it can help some people with mild depression and low self-esteem.
- Exercise helps you look better: Exercise helps you burn more calories and make your body toned. It can also keep you keep a healthy weight or help you lose weight.
- Exercise helps prevent diseases: As mentioned above, exercise can help you lose weight. This, in turn, can also prevent obesity and the onset of diabetes. Many studies have also shown that exercising regularly can help prevent the onset of certain diseases, such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, colon cancer, breast cancer, and depression.
- Exercise can help you age healthily: Not only can you reap the benefits of regular exercise today, but also when you get older. For instance, osteoporosis, which is a condition characterized by the weakening of bones, can be a problem as you get older. Fortunately, with exercise, this can be prevented. In particular, weight-bearing exercises, such as jumping, running, or brisk walking, can help keep the bones strong and healthy.
Read more news stories and studies on the importance of regular exercise by going to Slender.news.
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