Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
12 August 2015 09:54
Young teens could beat the odds of getting diabetes with regular exercise
Exercise during teenage years could reduce the risk of diabetes in later life, research suggests.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have found that physical activity provides the greatest benefits to adolescent insulin resistance - a precursor to type 2 diabetes - but it is only effective in the early teenage years.
Exercise made a difference at age 13, yet had no impact on insulin resistance by the age of 16.
Common condition
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high.
It affects 3.9 million people in the UK, with an estimated 590,000 people not yet diagnosed.
Like with other conditions, early diagnosis is key. It can get progressively worse if left untreated.
But a diagnosis does not mean life has to stop. Diabetes travel insurance can offer peace of mind to those heading abroad on overseas trips.
Future interventions
The researchers measured insulin resistance in the same 300 children every year from the age of nine through to 16 by using accelerometers, also known as electronic motion sensors, worn around the child's waist.
Type 2 diabetes was 17% lower in the more active adolescents at the age of 13, independently of body fat levels.
But over the next three years the difference shortened until it disappeared completely at 16.
The team recommend that teens should be specifically targeted for reducing diabetes levels.
Dr Brad Metcalf, of the University of Exeter's School of Sport and Health Science, says the findings could have implications for future interventions addressing the insulin resistance of children.
He claims lessening the demand on the cells that produce insulin during the early teenage years may preserve them for longer in later life.
The journal Diabetologia published the latest findings.
02 September 2019
If you're visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the rugby, here's everything you need to know about the World Cup's host cities...
[more...]
Not ready to wave goodbye to summer? Discover our top European destinations for last-minute summer sun...
Already stressing about that 8-hour flight? Make your journey more comfortable with our top tips for flying long-haul.
Heading on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip to Tokyo with these must-see places in the Japanese capital.
Are you going on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip by discovering these alternative, off-the-beaten-track destinations that will show you a different side to the Land of the Rising Sun.
21 August 2019
Travelling to Japan to watch the rugby? Here's everything you need to know about visiting the land of the rising sun, from payment methods to convenience store drinking!
Ready to experience the drama of rugby's greatest competition? Here's our guide to getting close to the action with a trip to magical Japan.
08 August 2019
Looking to travel back in time? Walk in the footsteps of Zeus and Apollo as you explore some of Greece's most iconic historical sites.
Want to explore off the beaten track? Discover your new Grecian paradise in one of these secluded island locations...
Find your favourite Greek food with our guide on how to let your taste buds explore the delicious flavours of Greece.
Ever wondered what life was like in Ancient Greece? Explore the city that many call the birthplace of Western civilisation by visiting these fantastic attractions in the legendary city of Athens.
Which Greek Island should I visit? A common question if you want to experience the beauty of Greece's many islands. Find the answer in our quick guide to ten of the best.