The results reinforce the need for Americans to become more physically active in general, but also suggest a need to better tailor exercise programs for people who may have physical limitations as a result of their disease, said lead researcher Dr. Elaine Morrato.

“Everyone can benefit from regular, daily physical activity,” she said. “But people who have diabetes, or who are at greatest risk for it, have even greater incentive to get out there and exercise. We know for a fact that increased physical activity can greatly reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes and its numerous complications. We need to do a better job reaching, motivating and helping these people to stay active.”

The study looked at activity levels for adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While increased physical activity can’t prevent type 1 diabetes (the least common form of diabetes), it can help to prevent complications in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Numerous studies have shown that regular physical activity does help to prevent type 2 diabetes, the most common form of this disease.

Studies show that exercising for 30 minutes a day, at least five days per week, along with moderate weight loss, can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by nearly 60 percent. Dr. Morrato said people who have diabetes may have a harder time exercising because of complications from the disease, such as painful peripheral neuropathy. The challenge is to encourage people to work exercise into their routine before diabetes and its complications develop, or to find ways to help them stay active if complications have already set in.

To reach Dr. Morrato, email: Elaine.Morrato@uchsc.edu or phone: 303-724-1535.