Exercising 150 minutes per week could help reverse prediabetes
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
People with prediabetes can significantly reduce their risk of progressing to diabetes by engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, according to a study published online June 25, 2025, by Cardiovascular Diabetology–Endocrinology Reports. Researchers examined the health data of 130 prediabetic adults who participated in a cardiovascular risk reduction program. The program included consultations with specialists in internal medicine, nutrition, psychology, and physiotherapy. People were encouraged to make lifestyle changes, such as reducing their intake of simple carbohydrates, increasing fiber intake, exercising for at least 150 minutes per week, and aiming for weight loss of at least 7% if they were overweight or obese.
Researchers found that exercise had a significant impact on reversing prediabetes. At a follow-up check a year later, about 58% of the group met the 150-minute weekly exercise quota. These people were more than four times as likely to have normal blood sugar levels compared with those who exercised less. The researchers added that exercise can help lower blood sugar and reduce excess weight, the two major factors that can cause prediabetes to progress to diabetes.
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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