A monthly cinema trip might be the secret to cutting your type 2 diabetes risk
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Yes. You read that headline right.
While most of us know that regular exercise and healthy eating habits are key for keeping diabetes at bay, many people aren't aware that something as simple as a trip to the movies can also make a huge difference.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops making enough insulin to burn up surplus blood sugar, so it's understandable why scientists have long been looking for better ways to manage this modern-day epidemic.
In a study published in the International Journal of Public Health, it was found that individuals who watched movies at the cinema once a month had a 35 per cent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not watch movies at all.
Regularly engaging in the arts, such as attending theatre performances and concerts, and visiting art galleries or museums, showed similar benefits.
The study was conducted by a team from Peking University in China and Osaka University in Japan, who observed more than 4,000 individuals in the UK over a 12-year period.
Data on their art activities—from watching films to taking part in opera and gallery visits—was analysed against the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
The results revealed some interesting results. It seems regular, enjoyable trips to the cinema—and other outlets for artistic expression—can help combat the health risks posed by a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
This was the case even when scientists accounted for other factors linked with the disease, such as low income and poor education.
The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes is a major factor for an array of illnesses, including heart attacks and stroke.
In 2021, it was estimated that more than 1.3 million Australians, which is about 1 in 20 people, are living with diabetes. These individuals are registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) and the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG) state-based registers.
But why should going to galleries and movies make such a big difference to our health?
Well, scientists still aren't exactly sure, but the act of engaging in activities that are both pleasurable and psychologically relaxing might reduce our overall levels of chronic stress.
This can lead to a surge of hormones—such as cortisol—which can interfere with the insulin-producing cells in our pancreas. According to experts, this can affect insulin production oovertime, and may result in diabetes.
But rather than just wandering around a museum, make sure you invest in activities that you enjoy! The idea is to engage your mind—and your body!—in healthy activities that you love, as this is where the real benefit comes from.
So, while you're thinking of ways to manage your diabetes (or pre-empt it, if you're lucky), add a trip to the movies to your list of activities.
Why not sneak in a delicious alternative, like some vegan snacks or an incredibly low-calorie popcorn alternative, and get the benefit from your newly founded habit?
Disclaimer: While this article features legitimate research, please remember that it is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment with your general practitioner (GP) if you have diabetes.
What do you think of this research, members? Did you watch a movie or a play recently? Let us know in the comments below.
While most of us know that regular exercise and healthy eating habits are key for keeping diabetes at bay, many people aren't aware that something as simple as a trip to the movies can also make a huge difference.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops making enough insulin to burn up surplus blood sugar, so it's understandable why scientists have long been looking for better ways to manage this modern-day epidemic.
In a study published in the International Journal of Public Health, it was found that individuals who watched movies at the cinema once a month had a 35 per cent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not watch movies at all.
Regularly engaging in the arts, such as attending theatre performances and concerts, and visiting art galleries or museums, showed similar benefits.
A research revealed that people who goes to the cinema monthly have lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Credit: Krists Luhaers/Unsplash
The study was conducted by a team from Peking University in China and Osaka University in Japan, who observed more than 4,000 individuals in the UK over a 12-year period.
Data on their art activities—from watching films to taking part in opera and gallery visits—was analysed against the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
The results revealed some interesting results. It seems regular, enjoyable trips to the cinema—and other outlets for artistic expression—can help combat the health risks posed by a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
This was the case even when scientists accounted for other factors linked with the disease, such as low income and poor education.
The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes is a major factor for an array of illnesses, including heart attacks and stroke.
In 2021, it was estimated that more than 1.3 million Australians, which is about 1 in 20 people, are living with diabetes. These individuals are registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) and the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG) state-based registers.
But why should going to galleries and movies make such a big difference to our health?
Well, scientists still aren't exactly sure, but the act of engaging in activities that are both pleasurable and psychologically relaxing might reduce our overall levels of chronic stress.
The study stated that visits to galleries and other outlets for artistic expression can help combat the health risks posed by a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Credit: Mick Haupt/Unsplash
This can lead to a surge of hormones—such as cortisol—which can interfere with the insulin-producing cells in our pancreas. According to experts, this can affect insulin production oovertime, and may result in diabetes.
But rather than just wandering around a museum, make sure you invest in activities that you enjoy! The idea is to engage your mind—and your body!—in healthy activities that you love, as this is where the real benefit comes from.
So, while you're thinking of ways to manage your diabetes (or pre-empt it, if you're lucky), add a trip to the movies to your list of activities.
Why not sneak in a delicious alternative, like some vegan snacks or an incredibly low-calorie popcorn alternative, and get the benefit from your newly founded habit?
Disclaimer: While this article features legitimate research, please remember that it is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment with your general practitioner (GP) if you have diabetes.
What do you think of this research, members? Did you watch a movie or a play recently? Let us know in the comments below.
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