KUWAIT CITY, Oct 31: A new study shows that going to museums, theatre, art galleries and cinema, once a month, can reduce type 2 diabetes.

Previously, scientists knew that participating in the arts can maintain heart health, prevent cognitive decline in old age, and combat anxiety and depression, but the latest study may be the first to indicate the possibility of combating diabetes through participation in cultural events. The study, conducted by a team from Peking University in China and Osaka University in Japan, analyzed data from more than 4,000 people in England over a period of 12 years.

Volunteers were asked how often they enjoyed going to the cinema, theatre, art galleries or museums. When the scientists matched this data with the number of people in the study who developed type 2 diabetes, they found that regularly going to the movies, once a month or so, seemed to reduce their chances of developing the disease by 35% compared to those who rarely went. Or they never go.

This was the case even when there were other factors associated with the disease, such as low income and poor education, according to a report published in the International Journal of Public Health.

Similar results were seen in those who frequently went to the theatre, concerts, operas or galleries. It is not clear how enjoying regular cultural activities can protect against diabetes, but researchers said it may offset some of the damage that stress can do to the body.

According to the British Diabetes Charity, chronic stress can lead to a buildup of harmful hormones, such as cortisol, which may prevent insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from working properly.

The subsequent decline in insulin production leads to type 2 diabetes. In a report on their findings, the team said: “Participating in artistic activities is fun, relaxing, energizing, stress-relieving and socially interactive.”

However, the study did not examine the effect of eating snacks while watching movies on the risk of diabetes.