Could Elite Athletes Have Lower Risk for Diabetes?
Researchers looked at 392 Finnish men who were former elite athletes and a comparison group of 207 men who hadn't been athletes. Overall, being a former elite athlete reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 28 percent.
The amount of risk reduction varied, depending on the type of sport. It was 61 percent lower for endurance sports. A less significant trend for reduced risk was seen in power sports (23 percent lower) and for mixed sports (21 percent lower).
The study was published Nov. 15 in the journal Diabetologia.
The former elite athletes also had a 42 percent lower risk of having prediabetes, according to a journal news release.
"With aging, the former athletes maintained their physically active lifestyle better than the controls," wrote Dr. Merja Laine, at the University of Helsinki, and colleagues.
Although the study found a reduced risk of developing diabetes among elite athletes, it did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
More information
Polish study found more 'bad' bacteria in the noses, throats of heftier guys Credit: HealthDay
The U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion outlines steps to prevent type 2 diabetes.
NewsdayTV team coverage of Rex Heuermann guilty pleas in Gilgo Beach killings Rex Heuermann, of Massapequa Park, has pleaded guilty to the murders of seven women whose bodies were found along Gilgo Beach and admitted to killing another. NewsdayTV has team coverage from key locations around Long Island.
NewsdayTV team coverage of Rex Heuermann guilty pleas in Gilgo Beach killings Rex Heuermann, of Massapequa Park, has pleaded guilty to the murders of seven women whose bodies were found along Gilgo Beach and admitted to killing another. NewsdayTV has team coverage from key locations around Long Island.
