Daily half-hour physical activity is effective in preventing diabetes and obesity. This conclusion was reached by specialists from the University of Copenhagen and the Nicolas Steno Center for Diabetes (Denmark), Endocrine Connections magazine reports.
Danish researchers conducted an experiment in which 703 men and 623 overweight women participated while they went about their daily activities with varying levels of physical activity.
As a result, scientists found that in men, only half an hour of moderate physical activity per day led to an increase in the level of the useful hormone glucagon-like peptide - 1 (GLP-1), which weakens appetite, stimulates the production of insulin and lowers blood sugar. But women did not observe such an effect - they had on average only 20 minutes of physical activity per day.
According to the World Health Organization, moderate-intensity exercises include walking, dancing, gardening, housework, active games and sports with children, walking with pets, moving objects weighing less than 20 kg.
- Moderate-intensity exercises are recommended for disease prevention.
- RIA News
- © Alexander Halperin
As a result, scientists concluded that in order to effectively improve the functioning of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems, moderate-daily exercise should last at least half an hour.
In their opinion, even busy or elderly people who do not have the time or opportunity to play sports can significantly improve their health.
“Our study has been encouraging. It follows from them that daily physical activity - even relatively small and short ones such as quick walking, gardening and playing with grandchildren - can help normalize appetite and blood glucose levels, ”said co-author Charlotte Janus of the University of Copenhagen.
As Professor Sinier Torekov from the Nicolas Steno Diabetes Center said, a daily refusal to travel by public transport or car in favor of walking will significantly reduce the risk of diabetes and improve overall metabolism.
“With an increase in the level of the hormone GLP-1, hunger and blood sugar decrease, and therefore the risk of developing obesity and type II diabetes also decreases,” the professor concluded.
Recall that Rospotrebnadzor made similar recommendations on the occasion of World Stroke Day. According to domestic experts, to prevent hypertension and reduce the risk of stroke by 25%, it is necessary to perform moderate-intensity exercises for 30 minutes five times a week.