A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals with type 2 diabetes who also grapple with obesity or weight-related issues.

The study, a secondary analysis of data from the Look AHEAD trial, focused on 5,145 adults with diabetes and weight concerns, spanning an average follow-up period of 12 years. Of the participants, about one-third progressed to chronic kidney disease during the monitoring period.

The researchers discovered that higher cumulative weekly averages of moderate to vigorous physical activity were linked to an approximately 8% lower risk for every 100 minutes of activity. Moreover, the risk reduction increased to 19% for those who engaged in bouts of activity lasting at least 10 minutes.

Participants who improved their weekly physical activity by about one hour saw a notable 33% reduction in the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Notably, individuals who accumulated activity in periods of less than 10 minutes still experienced a reduction in risk, emphasizing that even brief episodes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can contribute to kidney health.

Dr. Babak Orandi, an abdominal transplant surgeon and director of NYU Langone Health’s PeriOperative Weight Evaluation and Reduction (POWER) clinic, commented on the study's significance. He highlighted that the research provides valuable insights into the preventive aspects of physical activity in individuals with diabetes, emphasizing that even short durations of exercise can contribute to reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease.

The study does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship, as it is an observational study. However, it adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the positive impact of regular physical activity on overall health, particularly in populations facing increased health risks such as diabetes and obesity.

For individuals with diabetes, incorporating regular exercise into their routine may not only help manage blood sugar levels but also contribute to mitigating the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Further research is needed to delve deeper into the specific mechanisms linking physical activity to kidney health and to explore optimal exercise regimens for individuals with diabetes and obesity.

For more details on the study and its implications, refer to the article published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.