A single 30-minute workout reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, a study has found

Researchers from the Centre for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases in Italy found that just one 30-minute aerobic exercise session significantly reduced blood glucose levels one hour after exercise and improved insulin sensitivity in young healthy adults. This means that even a single bout of physical activity can be beneficial in preventing type 2 diabetes.

Importance of physical activity

Physical exercise is clinically recognised as an effective means of improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity - key factors in preventing type 2 diabetes. Although studies usually focus on the long-term effects of regular activity, this study examined the immediate effects of a single aerobic workout on glucose levels.

Study Methodology

The study, published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, involved 32 healthy volunteers between the ages of 20 and 35. None of them had a history of diabetes or professional sports and were not taking medication. All participants underwent an initial oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

They then performed 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in the form of light jogging (at 60-65% of their maximum oxygen consumption). Twenty-four hours after exercise, the participants underwent a PGTT again to assess changes in glucose and insulin levels. Insulin sensitivity was also assessed using the Matsuda and QUICKI indices.

Results of the study

After a single exercise session, fasting glucose levels decreased from 82.8 mg/dl to 78.5 mg/dl, and glucose levels one hour after exercise decreased from 122.8 mg/dl to 111.8 mg/dl. Insulin levels one hour later also decreased significantly from 57.4 μU/ml to 43.5 μU/ml. Insulin sensitivity improved, with the Matsuda index increasing from 7.79 to 9.02 and the QUICKI index increasing from 0.36 to 0.38. The HOMA-IR index, which reflects insulin resistance, decreased from 1.51 to 1.28.

The results show that positive changes in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity occur as early as 24 hours after a single training session.