“Even those performing lower amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity still had a reduction in risk of type 2 diabetes, that’s a powerful finding and reinforces the need to engage in any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on a regular basis.”

“This study,” he added, “contributes novel data showing there is no minimum or maximum threshold of benefits from moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in those with the greatest genetic risk of type 2 diabetes.”

Those with familial risk benefit the most

“We could say,” noted Dr. Ding, “that the most active group consistently had only a fraction of the risk across genetic risk groups compared with the least active group.”

“However, because the high genetic risk group had a much higher baseline risk, the absolute risk reduction was the largest in this group,” said Dr. Ding.

“In other words,” she added, “if we get everyone to be active, the high genetic-risk group would benefit the most regarding the number of type 2 diabetes cases prevented.”

People with diabetes in the family

The study measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity — not exercise specifically — pointed out Dr. Ding. Still, Dr. Arciero suggested some safe ways to get one’s activity through exercise if one wishes to do so:

“Non-weight bearing modes are the safest, such as recumbent cycling, rowing, swimming, elliptical, and even walking/jogging/running on soft surfaces are recommended,” he said.

Dr. Ding concluded: “I think the take-home message is ‘Doing something is better than doing nothing, and doing more is even better.’”

“If it is within one’s capacity,” she said, “increase the activity to at least moderate — so that you get some sweat and a little out of breath.”