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Exercise Improves Blood Sugar and Reduces Death Risk
Regular physical activity plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, one in every nine adults globally lives with diabetes, with over 95% of cases being type 2.
“People with type 2 diabetes still face a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality,” said postdoctoral fellow at Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Zhiyuan Wu.
“Lifestyle modifications — such as increasing and optimizing physical activity — are also essential for risk reduction,” he added.
Weekend Warriors Also Reap Significant Health Benefits
Dr. Wu’s study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, examined data from over 51,000 adults with self-reported diabetes.
Researchers found that those who met the American Diabetes Association’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) weekly — even if done in just one or two sessions — experienced a 33% lower cardiovascular mortality risk and 21% lower all-cause mortality risk.
“This is important because many people struggle to meet exercise guidelines spread over the week,” said Wu. “A more flexible approach like weekend workouts may be easier to sustain.”
Some Exercise Still Better Than None
The study revealed that even those who did not meet the full exercise recommendations but engaged in some physical activity had a reduced risk of death compared to completely inactive individuals.
“Our findings show that any amount of physical activity is better than none,” Wu noted. “Simply starting to move — even in small amounts — can make a meaningful difference in your long-term health.”
He emphasised the need for further research using wearable devices and digital apps to track activity and understand the biological mechanisms behind these results.
Doctors Urge Public to Embrace Flexible Exercise Routines
A cardiologist at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, praised the findings, calling them “crucial for public health.”
He stated, “Exercising at least 150 minutes per week, even in just 1-2 sessions, significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular death in people with diabetes.”
At the JFK University Medical Center also, Dr. Aaron Feingold weighed in, saying the study is “practice-changing.”
He explained, “This challenges the idea that exercise must be spread evenly across the week. For time-constrained patients, weekend workouts offer real, evidence-based benefits.”
A Realistic Lifeline for Diabetics
Both experts emphasized that this study offers a practical solution for millions living with diabetes and juggling demanding schedules.
“By showing that concentrated weekend exercise is effective, we’re giving patients a realistic, life-extending option,” said Feingold.
He added that promoting physical activity as a key part of diabetes management could greatly reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death among diabetics.
“This is especially valuable,” he concluded, “as physical activity is more accessible and has fewer side effects than many medications.”
