365Telugu.com online news,September 22nd, 2023: Several studies have revealed that morning and afternoon physical activity is beneficial. The study was led by researchers of Indian origin.
Both reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes. 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 stability (in contrast to total physical activity) are relatively unclear.
Researchers at Harvard University in the US analyzed the relationship between morning, afternoon or evening physical activity and consistency (routine) with the risk of type 2 diabetes.
“Our study shows a link between morning, afternoon and evening physical activity for diabetes risk,” said Dr. Chirag Patel of Harvard Medical School. “Incorporating some high-intensity activity can help reduce the risk.”
The cohort 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 the accelerometer data to estimate metabolic equivalents of activity (METs) (a common measure of physical activity), adding total physical activity MET-hours, including work, walking, and vigorous activity.
The team observed protective associations with physical activity. Each 1-unit increase in METs was associated with a 10 percent–9 percent reduction in morning and afternoon type 2 diabetes risk, respectively.
However, there was no statistically significant association between evening physical activity and risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers believe that lifestyle factors such as sleep and food intake influence physical activity in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Hence the role of activity in diabetes risk. Dr. Patel said, “Consistency or regularity of physical activity is not strongly associated with type 2 diabetes.
In other words, people who exercise more frequently for shorter periods of time have a lower risk of developing diabetes.”
“Our findings support total physical activity, but its consistency throughout the week, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes,” the researchers said.