Exercise During Puberty Can Reduce Risk of Diabetes

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Exercise during the early years of puberty can reduce risk of diabetes– especially among Latinos who are particularly at higher risk, Univision Salud reports.iStock_000064900523_Small

A study led by UK researchers and published in Diabetologia, found physical activity lowered the risk of insulin resistance syndrome (a condition that can cause type 2 diabetes).

The study measured using electric motion sensors, “the levels of insulin resistance in 300 children between 9-16 years old to determine what kind of impact physical activity had on insulin resistance and other metabolic levels. “

The study revealed,  13 years old who exercise regularly reduced their insulin resistance levels by 17 percent and exercise can continue to reduce insulin resistance to near zero levels in the following three years.

“Insulin resistance levels increase dramatically between ages 9-13, then goes dramatically down in the same way at 16 years of age.  Our study found physical activity prevents the early insulin resistance peak, but did not have any impact on 16 year olds, a diminished insulin resistance peak can reduce the demand of the cells producing insulin during this critical period, which could preserve them for a longer period,” Brad Metcalf lead researcher of the study said.

Insulin resistance syndrome is a condition that affects the body’s ability to respond to the insulin hormone preventing it from doing its function properly.

Doctors recommend children between 5-17 years old stay physically active on a daily basis for at least 60 minutes to reduce the risk of diabetes.

By The Numbers By The Numbers

20.7

percent

of Latino kids have obesity (compared to 11.7% of white kids)

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