Individuals with a relatively large number of genetic factors linked to type 2 diabetes risk showed a smaller protective effect of exercise, a large cohort study indicated.

The finding emerged from an analysis of data from participants in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities), Yann Klimentidis, PhD, of the University of Arizona in Tucson, and colleagues reported.

When participants were stratified by genetic risk (defined as the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) there was little difference in incidence rates for new-onset type 2 diabetes in those with high versus low levels of physical activity.

In contrast, those with low genetic risk scores were half as likely to develop type 2 diabetes when their physical activity was rated as high versus low, the researchers reported in Diabetologia.

Reference:
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Diabetes/47883