Even 20 min. of exercise helps kids diabetes risk

CHICAGO, ILL.; Sept. 18, 2012 (WPVI) -- We all know exercise is good, and earlier studies have shown 40 minutes a day can make a huge difference in a child's health.

But some researchers now say 20 minutes a day can be just as effective when it comes to lowering the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia put more than 200 overweight kids in a study. Some exercised 40 minutes a day, some 20 minutes a day, and others less.

Both the 20 and 40-minute groups improved their fitness and lowered their insulin resistance. That is a key factor in type 2 diabetes.

Both groups also lost fat around the internal organs, however the 40-minute group lost the most.

Still, researchers say showing how 20 minutes makes a difference, gives schools more incentive to fit fitness into the schedule.

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