Another Reason to Cycle

74 days until the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 and while the rain is keeping me inside, I've been catching up on my Cycling Weeklys. I don't normally dwell on the Fitness News section but flicking through, 'The key to diabetes' headline caught my eye. As you know, I am cycling for Team Diabetes UK in the RideLondon so feel this is a very timely article to be able to share.

It is estimated that 2.9 million are currently diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, 4.5% of the population. In the next 10 years, it is forecast that this figure will rise to 4 million.

The article talks of how those with a high risk of diabetes appear to reduce their chances of developing the disease through lifestyle changes including dietary modifications and exercise, and how a six year prevention study set out to provide medical evidence of this.

The researcher followed up on an original study, published in 1986 involving 550 participants, to identify whether the lifestyle changes still had an impact on the development of diabetes many years later. The medical records of the intervention group - those of the 550 who were place on a diet, exercise or diet and exercise programme - and the comparison group were compared. As at 2009, 73% of the intervention group had developed diabetes compared to 90% of the comparison group.

I could not work out whether those involved in the six year study continued with their diets and exercise but believe the intent was to show that any lifestyle intervention has a long-term effect 'beyond the price of active intervention'.  

So, another reason - if you needed one - to start cycling, as whether you're in a risk group or not, this is at least one disease you can cut your risks of developing through this great and healthy activity.

You can support further research into this disease by sponsoring me via the link below.