Diabetes risk could be slashed by simply walking faster, study shows

28 November 2023 , 23:30

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Walking has many health benefits (Image: Getty Images)

Walking faster could slash your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

People whose pace was brisker than 3km an hour, or 1.86mph, were less likely to develop the condition in future. More than five million people currently live with diabetes in Britain, with nine in 10 having type 2, which is linked to unhealthy lifestyles. A review in the Lancet Diabetes and Endo-crinology journal has found every 1km an hour increase in walking speed was linked to a 9% lower risk. Those with a swifter stride of more than 6km an hour, or 3.7mph, lowered their risk by 39%.

Getting out in a fresh air for a walk is good for the body and mind (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Researchers including from Imperial College London looked at 10 studies with follow-up periods of up to 11 years. Neil Gibson, senior adviser at Diabetes UK, said: “Increasing the intensity of activity, such as by walking faster, gives greater overall health benefits. We welcome further research to confirm whether, and to what extent, picking up the pace boosts the effects walking can have on reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

"While progressing to a faster pace is usually ­recommended for greater health gains, it’s important that people walk at a pace they can manage and is suitable for them.”

Author Dr Ahmad Jayedi, of Semnan University of Medical Sciences in Iran, said: “While current strategies to increase total walking time are beneficial, it may also be reasonable to encourage people to walk at faster speeds to further increase the health benefits of walking.”

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