Outdoor activities 'could prevent onset of diabetes'

Published on 04-02-2010

Summary:

Parents may like to encourage their kids to try new activities outside, as research has revealed that vitamin D can help prevent the onset of Type 1 diabetes.

Conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Diego Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, the report indicated that vitamin D absorption through sunlight reduces the risks of this - the second most common childhood disease in the US - by approximately 80 per cent.

Co-author of the study Dr Cedric Garland - who is to be working with the California Milk Processor Board to teach families about the role of vitamin D - remarked: "Education and early prevention are key to battling this health problem among children."

However, it was also noted that drinking milk - which is rich in vitamin D - could help prevent Type 1 diabetes from affecting youngsters as well and Mr Garland recommended this, as well as dietary supplements and exposure to sunlight.

And those who play outside may also profit from having better eyesight. The Denver Channel recently reported that such pursuits can reduce the risk of short-sightedness in kids by 40 per cent if undertaken for a minimum of 14 hours a week.