The benefits of regular exercise are well-documented, but a new study suggests that even just two workouts a week can have a significant impact on the health of adults with diabetes. Researchers from several top universities recently published their findings in Annals of Internal Medicine, showing that diabetics who engaged in physical activity had lower risks of heart disease and death compared to those who were inactive.

The study analyzed data from over 51,000 adults with self-reported diabetes who participated in the National Health Interview Survey between 1997 and 2018. The participants were divided into four categories based on their exercise habits: inactive (no reported physical activity), insufficiently active (less than 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week), weekend warriors (at least 150 minutes of physical activity, but only on one or two days a week), and regularly active (at least 150 minutes of physical activity, distributed across three or more days a week).

The results were striking. Compared to inactive participants, those who engaged in insufficient physical activity had a 12% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality. Weekend warriors had an even greater benefit, with a 21% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 33% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality. Regularly active participants also saw significant benefits, with a 17% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 19% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality.

While the study did not find as strong a link between physical activity and cancer mortality, the overall message is clear: any amount of exercise can have a positive impact on the health of adults with diabetes. Whether it’s a quick walk after dinner or a weekend hike, getting moving can make a big difference in reducing the risk of heart disease and death.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a friend or family member, lace up your shoes, and get out there to enjoy some fresh air and exercise. Your body – and your diabetes – will thank you!

The study conducted by researchers at Duke University’s Pontzer Lab has shed new light on the complex relationship between economic development, daily energy expenditure, and rising obesity rates worldwide. Contrary to the long-held notion that reduced physical activity is the primary driver behind the global obesity crisis, the findings suggest that higher caloric intake is actually the main culprit.

Researchers analyzed data from over 4,200 adults across 34 populations spanning six continents, including hunter-gatherer, pastoralist, farming, and industrialized communities. They found that while daily energy expenditure did decrease marginally with economic development, this factor only explained a small fraction of the increase in body fat accompanying development.

“Diet rather than idleness plays the bigger role in the global obesity crisis,” says Herman Pontzer, principal investigator with the Pontzer Lab and professor in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology. “Despite decades of trying to understand the root causes of the obesity crisis in economically developed countries, public health guidance remains stuck with uncertainty as to the relative importance of diet and physical activity.”

The study’s results support an emerging consensus that both diet and exercise should be prioritized to tackle the obesity crisis. As Amanda McGrosky, a Duke postdoctoral alumna and lead investigator for the study, notes, “Diet and physical activity should be viewed as essential and complementary, rather than interchangeable.”

The article reveals groundbreaking research on the effectiveness of vaccinating pregnant women against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The study found that babies born to vaccinated mothers had a 72% reduction in hospitalizations due to RSV, making it a crucial tool for reducing infant hospital admissions and pressures on healthcare systems.

Research conducted by universities across England and Scotland involved 537 babies who were admitted to hospital with severe respiratory disease during the winter of 2024-2025. The findings showed that mothers of babies without RSV were more likely to have received the vaccine before delivery, highlighting the importance of timely vaccination for maximum protection.

The study highlights the significance of raising awareness about the availability and effectiveness of the new RSV vaccine, which can be given as early as 28 weeks of pregnancy, allowing for optimal antibody transfer to the baby. However, it is recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated as soon as possible, ideally before delivery, to maximize protection.

The research collaboration also included experts from various institutions and emphasized the value of vaccination in preventing RSV-related illnesses. The study’s findings were published in the journal The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health.

Key Takeaways:

* Vaccinating pregnant women can reduce RSV hospitalizations by 72% among newborns.
* Timely vaccination during pregnancy is crucial for maximum protection against RSV.
* The new RSV vaccine offers a significant opportunity to protect babies from severe respiratory disease.
* Awareness about the availability and effectiveness of the vaccine should be raised among healthcare providers, pregnant women, and their families.