A study using long-term data from the Nurses' Health Study, the Nurses' Health Study II and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study found an association between keeping up a regular exercise routine over the years and up to a 62% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The authors note that combining regular aerobic activity with strength-training sessions appears to bring an added benefit compared with practicing just one type of exercise, in line with general physical activity guideline recommendations.
This kind of cohort study, with several years of follow-up, reinforces the idea that it isn't about a one-off routine, but about keeping up the habit consistently over time to see a real reduction in the risk of developing the disease.