Type 2 diabetes risk among master swimmers: a case–control study

Abstract

Purpose: This study seeks to evaluate the impact of regular physical activity, particularly swimming, on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) risk scores, as measured by the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC), among competitive master swimmers compared to a control group. Methods: This case–control study included 250 participants, with 125 master swimmers and 125 inactive university staff. Sociodemographic data and FINDRISC scores were collected through face-to-face questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, BMI, and body fat percentage, were obtained from participants. Statistical analyses were conducted using the SPSS 29.0 program, applying chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Master swimmers demonstrated significantly lower FINDRISC scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The majority of master swimmers were found to be in the “very low risk” category, while the control group had a higher proportion of participants in the “low” and “moderate risk” categories for T2DM. Anthropometric measurements revealed lower fat mass and higher muscle mass among master swimmers (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Individuals who have integrated physical activity into their lifestyle for an extended period, exemplified by master swimmers, are associated with a lower risk of developing T2DM. These findings highlight the importance of regular physical exercise in reducing diabetes risk, supporting public health strategies that promote active lifestyles.