Running for the bus may reduce risk of diabetes and dementia

A study of 96,408 UK Biobank participants who wore activity trackers for a week found that short bursts of vigorous activity were associated with lower risks of type 2 diabetes and dementia over seven years.

A new study reports that short bursts of vigorous activity — such as running for a bus, playing actively with children, or taking the stairs quickly — were linked with lower risks of several health outcomes. Researchers in China analysed data from 96,408 people enrolled in the UK Biobank who wore devices that tracked movement for one week. They compared each person’s activity profile with whether they died or developed certain conditions over the next seven years. The findings were published in the European Heart Journal. Key findings: - The study used wearable movement data from 96,408 UK Biobank participants and tracked outcomes over seven years. - Researchers examined eight outcomes: heart disease, irregular heartbeat, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, long-term lung conditions, chronic kidney disease, dementia and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (such as arthritis and psoriasis). - Participants with a higher share of vigorous activity had lower observed risks for the measured outcomes; the analysis reported about a 63% lower risk of dementia, 60% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and 46% lower risk of death among those recording regular vigorous activity compared with those who did not. - Intensity appeared especially important for inflammatory conditions, while both time and intensity were relevant for outcomes such as diabetes and chronic liver disease. - Researchers noted benefits were seen even with modest amounts of vigorous activity recorded, and they cautioned that vigorous activity may not be appropriate for everyone. Summary: The analysis found associations between spending a larger portion of activity time at vigorous intensity and lower risks of multiple conditions, including dementia and type 2 diabetes. Undetermined at this time.