Type 2 diabetes complications are often treated as inevitable over time.
This research challenges that idea by estimating how many complications may be attributable to low physical activity.
Researchers pooled data from 27 earlier studies, covering nearly 2.4 million people worldwide.
They examined people’s activity levels and tracked diabetes-related complications.
In the analysis, “physical inactivity” was defined as not reaching 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous activity.
That threshold aligns with common public health guidance.
Moderate activity can include brisk walking, active yoga, or steady cycling.
Vigorous activity might include running, swimming laps, fast cycling, or heavy gardening.
The results estimated that inactivity accounted for a notable share of complications among people with type 2 diabetes.
The largest attributable proportion reported was for stroke.
The study estimated that inactivity was linked to about 10.2% of strokes.
It also estimated around 9.7% of diabetic retinopathy cases could be attributed to inactivity.
For heart failure, the estimate was about 7.3%. For heart disease, the estimate was up to around 7%.
The burden was not evenly distributed.
Women and people with less education had consistently higher complication burdens linked to inactivity.
The authors argued this supports physical activity as a core part of complication prevention, not an optional add-on.
They also noted that higher activity could reduce hospital admissions, disability, and healthcare costs while improving quality of life.
They cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach.
In higher-income countries, activity often happens in leisure time, while in lower-income settings it may be linked to work and transport.
That matters because the best intervention depends on local realities.
Policies and services also need to tackle social and gender inequalities that shape who can be active and how.
For people living with type 2 diabetes, the useful takeaway is practical rather than perfect.
Any sustainable increase in weekly movement, tailored to ability and health status, is likely to be beneficial.
If you have diabetes and you are starting from a low baseline, it is sensible to build gradually.
If you have chest pain, severe breathlessness, or other concerning symptoms, get medical advice before making big changes.
Study reference: Journal of Sport and Health Science (2026), “Global, regional, and national burden of major diabetes-related complications attributable to physical inactivity”, DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2026.101123.