In the intricate interplay between lifestyle choices and health outcomes, physical activity has emerged as a potent protector against various chronic conditions. A recent study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, shed light on the pivotal role of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in mitigating the progression to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Type 2 Diabetics and Overweight/Obese individuals. With CKD being a significant complication of T2D, understanding the nuanced relationship between physical activity and renal health in this population is paramount.
For the study, researchers followed 1746 participants, as as part of the Look AHEAD trial, with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² over a median follow-up of 12.0 years. Employing accelerometers, MVPA was objectively measured at various intervals – baseline, year 1, year 4, and year 8. The outcome of interest was progression to CKD, defined as eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m².
They found that MVPA protected against the insidious progression to CKD. It revealed a striking linear inverse association between cumulative average total MVPA and progression to CKD. For every 100 minutes/week increase in MVPA, there was a notable reduction in the risk of CKD. Particularly noteworthy was the association observed with MVPA accumulated in bouts of more than 10 minutes, indicating the significance of sustained, intense activity.
They also found participants who exhibited an increase in total MVPA from baseline to year 4 had significant 33% lower risk of progression to CKD compared to those with the largest reduction in MVPA. This underscores the importance of not only initiating but also sustaining physical activity levels over time for renal benefits.
This study underscores the profound impact of vigorous physical activity in safeguarding against CKD progression in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and who are overweight/obese.
Exercise clearly has other benefits in people with Type 2 Diabetes and who are overweight/obese, however, this study adds renal protection to the already existing wealth of benefits.
M Liu et al. Association of accelerometer-measured physical activity and its change with progression to chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity. British Journal of Sports Medicine (2024). https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-107564
