People in neighbourhoods conducive to physical activity and healthy eating may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a recent report.

Individuals with a lower body mass index (BMI) score significantly reduced their risk of developing the condition, showing the importance of physical activity such as cardio training.

An increase in type 2 diabetes has been linked to rising levels of obesity, and is especially common in those whose diets feature high levels of energy-dense or nutrient-poor foods, research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed.

The study, which examined 2,285 adults between the ages of 45 to 84, found that residents who found it easy and pleasant to walk around their neighbourhoods, and where a large high-quality selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and other low-fat foods was available, had a 38 per cent lower incidence of type 2 diabetes.

High-intensity, low-impact cardio fitness equipment such as row machines are ideal for weight loss, therefore helping to prevent the excessive weight levels associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.