WASHINGTON – Men and women between 18 and 30 years with low aerobic fitness levels are more likely to develop diabetes in 20 years, a study said.
Study lead author Mercedes Carnethon from Northwestern University said: “These young adults are setting the stage for chronic disease in middle age by not being physically active and fit.”
“People who have low fitness in their late teens and 20’s tend to stay the same later in life or even get worse. Not many climb out of that category,” Carnethon added.
In the study, Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure of the body’s fat content was the most important predictor of who would developdiabetes. Results of the study were measured using a treadmill test.
Carnethon 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.”
