Good aerobic fitness does not protect children against obesity-induced insulin resistance, which is a key risk factor of type 2 diabetes, a new study from Finland shows. However, more physical activity and less sedentary time were associated with reduced insulin resistance also in obese children.

Published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the findings are based on the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study carried out in the University of Eastern Finland. The study involved researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, the University Jyväskylä, the Norwegian School of Sports Science, the University of Cambridge and the University of Exeter.

Good aerobic fitness does not protect against insulin resistance

It is a generally accepted idea that good aerobic fitness reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, and it has also been thought to protect against other obesity-induced adverse changes in the glucose metabolism. However, this idea is based on studies whose methodology does not allow a distinction between the roles of aerobic fitness and body fat percentage as risk factors of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

“Our study clearly shows that aerobic fitness is not associated with insulin resistance when body composition is taken into consideration properly. Moreover, good aerobic fitness doesn’t seem to protect against obesity-induced insulin resistance. It seems that the role of poor aerobic fitness as a risk factor of type 2 diabetes has been grossly exaggerated,” says Researcher Eero Haapala, PhD, from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä. Dr Haapala is also an Adjunct Professor of Paediatric Exercise Physiology at the University of Eastern Finland.

Development of insulin resistance can be prevented

The researchers found that more brisk physical activity and less sedentary time were associated with reduced insulin resistance regardless of the level of aerobic fitness and body fat percentage. Getting more physical activity and less sedentary time also protected obese children against the development of insulin resistance.

“A key take-home message from our study is that more physical activity and less sedentary time play key roles in the prevention of type 2 diabetes already in childhood. For obese children, these seem to be especially important,” Dr Haapala notes.

The study analysed 452 children between 6 and 8 years of age, exploring associations between their aerobic fitness, body fat percentage, physical activity, sedentary time and insulin resistance. Aerobic fitness was assessed using a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer, and body fat percentage by DXA measurement. Physical activity and sedentary time were measured using a combined movement and heart rate sensor, and insulin resistance was assessed by measuring glucose and insulin levels from blood samples.

Source: University of Eastern Finland (UEF Viestintä)

Full bibliographic information

Research article:
Cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and insulin resistance in children. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise