New research has shown that, teenagers who engaged themselves in moderate physical activity, has better metabolism and burn more calories than their inactive age-fellows, a truth that provide protection against type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes develops when the insulin in body fails to regulate blood-sugar, causing blood sugar levels to rise. The disorder is associated with obesity, but studies in adults have shown that constant physical workout can prevent its arrival.

Whether this is true in case of children or teenagers, there is still no evidence. It is important to know, as rising rates of obesity in children are leading to increasing rates of type 2 diabetes.

For the new study, researchers planted 32 male and female teenagers with accelerometers to record the body’s movement in a day.

The researchers came to know that, teens who have done some physical workout over 1 week had a higher metabolism at resting state than those sedentary peers. They also showed better results for glucose tolerance test, a measure to evaluate the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates. Teenagers with weak glucose tolerance may develop type 2 diabetes.

While it was a short term study, the researchers concluded that regular physical exertion could make the teenagers to fight against both obesity and type 2 diabetes.

They also highlight that, the teenagers in this particular study got modest activity, like walking, which seemed to enhance metabolism to an optimum level.