Lahore: A recent international study has warned that a lack of physical activity significantly raises the risk of serious health complications in people living with Type 2 diabetes. Researchers say sedentary behavior can quietly worsen the condition over time.
The study, published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, found that nearly one in ten diabetes-related complications is linked to prolonged sitting and insufficient movement. These complications include stroke, heart failure, heart disease, and even vision problems.
Researchers reviewed data from 27 large-scale studies that collectively involved almost 2.4 million participants. They carefully examined how levels of physical activity influenced the development of diabetes-related medical issues.
Patients who failed to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week were categorized as sedentary. This threshold aligns with widely recommended global health guidelines.
Moderate activities include brisk walking, light cycling, yoga, dancing, and routine household tasks. More intense activities such as swimming, aerobic workouts, fast cycling, rope jumping, or physically demanding labor fall under vigorous exercise.
The analysis revealed that inactive diabetes patients faced a 10.2 percent higher risk of stroke. The likelihood of nerve damage increased by 9.7 percent, while the risk of heart failure rose by 7.3 percent and overall cardiovascular disease by 7 percent.
Experts stressed that regular movement plays a protective role in managing Type 2 diabetes. They advised patients to incorporate structured physical activity into their daily routines to reduce long-term health risks.
Health professionals also noted that small lifestyle changes, when practiced consistently, can produce meaningful benefits. Even moderate exercise performed regularly may help prevent severe complications and improve overall quality of life for patients with diabetes.
