UK Study: Striding to Health: Brisk Walking Shown to Slash Type 2 Diabetes Risk

London-UK-: A groundbreaking global study has revealed a significant association between walking at a faster pace and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, reported the Guardian.

Type 2 diabetes poses a substantial global health threat, and its prevalence has surged over the last 30 years. Despite the well-established link between walking and a lower risk of diabetes, the optimal walking speed for risk reduction had not been clearly defined until now.

Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study conducted a comprehensive analysis of 10 studies spanning from 1999 to 2022, encompassing a total of 508,121 adult participants from the UK, Japan, and the US. The research, led by teams from Imperial College London, the University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and Oslo New University College in Norway, found that individuals walking at speeds exceeding 1.86mph (3km/h) were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Striding at a pace greater than 3.7mph (6km/h) was associated with a remarkable 39% reduction in risk.

The study demonstrated that an average walking speed of 3-5km/h was linked to a 15% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to strolling at less than 3km/h. Moreover, a brisk walk ranging from 5km/h to 6km/h correlated with a 24% lower risk, while those walking at speeds higher than 6km/h exhibited a striking 39% lower risk.

The researchers acknowledged certain limitations, including potential bias in some studies and the fact that individuals with faster walking speeds generally have better overall health. However, the findings offer plausible explanations, citing walking speed as a key indicator of overall health, functional capacity, and factors such as cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, all of which are linked to diabetes risk. Additionally, brisk walking contributes to weight loss, improving insulin sensitivity.

The study’s implications suggest that encouraging individuals to walk at faster speeds may enhance the health benefits associated with walking. Neil Gibson, senior physical activity adviser at Diabetes UK, welcomed the findings, emphasizing that physical activity, including brisk walking, can significantly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, and increasing the intensity of activity provides greater overall health benefits. While advocating for further research, Gibson highlighted the simplicity and accessibility of walking as a cost-free activity that can be easily integrated into daily routines. He emphasized the importance of individuals walking at a pace suitable for them while acknowledging the potential for increased health gains with a faster pace.