Unfit at 20... Type 2 Diabetes at 40?

According to a press release from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, scientists have discovered that young adults, between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, who have low aerobic fitness levels are two to three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 20 years than those who are aerobically fit.

The study, which came from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which originally spanned 15 years, from 1984 to 2001, also showed that a person's body mass index (BMI is the most important indicator of increased risk in developing diabetes. The fitness study included 3,989 participants at baseline and 2,231 at the 20-year testing.

Overweight and out-of-shape young adults who increase their aerobic fitness level and achieve a healthy BMI can significantly reduce or even eliminate their risk of having type 2 diabetes in their later years.

Mercedes Carnethon PhD, lead author and assistant professor of preventive medicine states in the press release, "Improving your fitness through physical activity is one way you can modify your body fat," she said. "Research shows that combining regular physical activity with a carefully balanced diet can help most people maintain a healthy body weight and lower the likelihood of developing diabetes."

More from your diabetes guide...

• Aerobic Exercise and Diabetes
• Using a BMI Chart for Obesity Management

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