LAHORE(The COW News Digital) A new study has found that physical inactivity significantly increases the risk of medical complications among patients living with Type 2 diabetes, underscoring the importance of regular exercise in disease management.
The research, published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, indicates that approximately 10 percent of diabetes-related complications — including stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and vision loss — are associated with prolonged sedentary behavior.
Researchers analyzed data from 27 previous studies involving nearly 2.4 million participants. Using this pooled data, they tracked the duration of physical activity among individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and monitored the development of related complications over time.
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Participants who failed to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week were categorized as leading a sedentary lifestyle. The study found that such inactivity was linked to measurable increases in health risks.
According to the findings, physically inactive patients faced a 10.2 percent higher risk of stroke, a 9.7 percent increased risk of nerve-related complications, a 7.3 percent greater likelihood of heart failure, and a 7 percent rise in overall cardiovascular disease risk.
Moderate physical activities include brisk walking, cycling at a steady pace, yoga, dancing, and household chores. More intense activities, such as swimming, aerobic dance, fast cycling, skipping rope, and heavy manual work, fall into the vigorous category.
Health experts say regular movement helps improve blood sugar control, enhances cardiovascular health, and reduces inflammation — all critical factors in managing diabetes. The findings reinforce existing global health guidelines that recommend consistent physical activity as part of comprehensive diabetes care.
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide and is often accompanied by long-term complications affecting the heart, nerves, kidneys, and eyes. Sedentary lifestyles, increasingly common in urban settings, are considered a major contributing factor.
The researchers concluded that incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines could play a vital role in preventing or delaying diabetes-related complications. They emphasized that even modest increases in movement can yield significant health benefits for patients.
Medical professionals advise individuals with Type 2 diabetes to consult their healthcare providers before starting new exercise regimens, ensuring that activities are safe and tailored to their individual health conditions.
