Adults could slash diabetes risk by a quarter by doing just 20 minutes a day of exercise say scientists

ADULTS could slash their diabetes risk by a quarter by sticking to the minimum amount of recommended exercise, scientists claim.

The NHS says we should do 150 minutes of activity a week — just over 20 minutes a day.

The researchers found following the advice reduced the chances of type 2 diabetes developing by 26 per cent.

Stepping up to 60 minutes a day of brisk walking, jogging or cycling cuts the risk by 40 per cent, their study reveals. Yet one in three of us fail to do the minimum.

The doctors analysed 23 studies covering a million people.

Researcher Andrea Smith, of University College London, said: “Our results suggest a major potential for physical activity to slow down or reverse the global increase in type 2 diabetes.”

Her colleague Dr Soren Brage, of Cambridge University, added: “This research shows some physical activity is good, but more is better.

“Our results suggest that the health benefits of physical activity are apparent even at levels below the recommended levels, compared to not doing any activity.”

Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum, said the NHS is in trouble.

He said: “The researchers are correct in asking us to go that extra mile and take an hour’s brisk walk daily. It would greatly help our overall fitness and significantly lessen the risk of picking up this potentially deadly disease.

“Just think of the greater probability of losing a foot or leg due to Diabetes type 2 - it should make us get off the couch.”

A study in New Zealand found exercising after a meal was more effective at protecting against type 2.