The findings were based on a review of fitness and health records of more than 1.5 million male military conscripts in Sweden from 1969 to 1997. The study revealed young men with low aerobic capacity and low muscle strength were three times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes as they aged, compared to stronger, more fit individuals.
According to lead author Casey Crump, MD, PhD, this is the first study to look at early-life physical fitness in relation to the long-term risk for Type 2 Diabetes in adulthood, independent of BMI, family history or socioeconomic factors.
“Our findings suggest that prevention should start early in life and should include both aerobic and muscular conditioning,” said Dr. Crump. “We hope our research will help inform more effective lifestyle interventions among children and youth to promote better population health in the U.S. and other countries.”
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