Brisk Walking Linked to Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Study Says

A recent study, published in the esteemed British Journal of Sports Medicine, has brought to attention the significant impact of walking pace on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to the research, brisk walking is associated with a substantial 40% lower risk of developing this chronic condition. Dr. Ahmad Jayedi, the lead author from the Social Determinants of Health Research Center at Semnan University of Medical Sciences in Iran, has emphasized the crucial role of habitual walking speed in reducing diabetes risk. This study provides a comprehensive review of existing evidence, filling a notable gap in the literature.

The study, which reviewed 10 prior studies conducted between 1999 and 2022, highlighted a clear correlation between walking speed and the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly among adults in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The findings revealed that individuals walking at a normal pace have a 15% lower risk of developing the condition, while those maintaining a fairly brisk pace have a 24% lower risk. The most significant benefit was seen in those who engaged in brisk or striding walking, demonstrating a 39% reduction in risk.

The study’s findings have garnered positive feedback from experts in the field. Dr. Robert Gabbay, the chief scientific and medical officer for the American Diabetes Association, praised the researchers for their ability to quantify walking speed and emphasized the correlation between intensity and diabetes prevention. Dr. Carmen Cuthbertson, an assistant professor of health education and promotion at East Carolina University, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of higher intensity activities, such as brisk walking, for diabetes prevention.

While the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between walking pace and diabetes risk, experts believe that brisk walking offers substantial health benefits. It is suggested that faster walking could result in improved physical fitness, reduced body weight, and lower insulin resistance, ultimately lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Dr. Michio Shimabukuro of the Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine further supported this notion, emphasizing the positive impact of increased exercise intensity on overall health.

Despite the positive association between brisk walking and type 2 diabetes risk, researchers also acknowledge the need for further investigation, particularly regarding the potential for reverse causality in their findings. It is important to consider that walking speed may also reflect an individual’s overall health status, which could influence the observed results. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

So, what does this mean for the average person looking to lower their risk of type 2 diabetes? Dr. Gabbay stresses the importance of walking as a means of improving one’s health, affirming that walking faster may yield even greater benefits. One can achieve this by utilizing a fitness tracker to objectively measure and maintain their walking pace. For those without access to a fitness tracker, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “talk test” offers a simple alternative for monitoring exercise intensity. By paying attention to their ability to talk while walking, individuals can gauge whether their pace is brisk enough to reap the potential benefits.

In conclusion, the study’s findings shed light on the impact of walking pace on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While the benefits of brisk walking are promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings. Nonetheless, the study provides valuable insight into the potential role of walking as a preventative measure for type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.