Faster Walking May Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk - Study

Brisk walking at a speed of four or more kilometres an hour (about 2.5 miles per hour), can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, this is according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study analysed data from 508,121 adults between 1999 and 2022 and found that people who walked at an average speed of 3-5 kilometres per hour (1.8-3.1 miles per hour) were associated with a 15% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes compared to people who walked at slower walking speeds.

A faster walking speed is associated with fewer heart disease risk factors, including higher insulin resistance, higher body weight, and higher blood pressure. The study suggests that people who walk at a faster pace usually have better cardio-respiratory health and overall functional capacity, as well as better lower limb and core strength, compared to those who don't walk at an increased speed.

The World Health Organization states that about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, the majority living in low-and middle-income countries, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2.