Physical activity in the prevention of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a common chronic disease with multiple complications, most notably cardiovascular diseases. In the past decade, the associations of physical activity, physical fitness, and changes in the lifestyle with the risk of type 2 diabetes have been assessed by a number of prospective studies and clinical trials. A few studies also evaluated joint associations of physical activity, Body Mass Index and glucose levels with the risk of type 2 diabetes. The results based on 21 prospective studies and four clinical trials have shown that moderate or high levels of physical activity or physical fitness, and changes in the lifestyle (dietary modification and increase in physical activity) can prevent type 2 diabetes. Not only leisure-time physical activity, but also occupational and commuting physical activities are important components of healthy lifestyle and can protect against type 2 diabetes.