A recent study by researchers at Jihad Semnan University in Iran has highlighted the benefits of brisk walking in reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
According to their findings, walking speed plays a crucial role in preventing the disease.
The study, which reviewed 10 previous research works conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan between 1999 and 2022, analysed the relationship between walking speed and diabetes risk.
Over an eight-year period, researchers followed participants and found that those walking at a speed of 3.2 to 4.2 km/h had a 15% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those walking at a slower pace.
Those walking at speeds between 4.8 to 6.4 km/h saw a 24% reduction in risk, while individuals exceeding 6.4 km/h had a 39% lower risk.
While the study does not definitively confirm that fast-paced walking directly prevents diabetes, it suggests that aerobic exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and helps manage body weight, thereby reducing diabetes risk.
Zhang Chuji, a physician at Tiantan Hospital in Beijing, also emphasised the importance of walking as a simple yet effective way to improve overall health.
She advised individuals to increase their walking pace voluntarily and monitor their speed using smartwatches or mobile devices.
In the absence of digital tools, avoiding frequent stops and unnecessary distractions while walking can help maintain a steady pace.
