NEW YORK, Oct 31, (Agencies): A monthly visit to the cinema might not be the usual prescription from your doctor, but it could significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study. Engaging in cultural activities such as going to museums, the theatre, and art galleries has been found to have a protective effect against this prevalent disease, which affects over four million people in the UK.

Previous research has already shown that involvement in the arts can contribute to maintaining heart health, prevent cognitive decline in old age, and help combat anxiety and depression. However, this latest study appears to be the first to suggest that cultural activities can also be effective in addressing the contemporary diabetes epidemic, which is often associated with sedentary lifestyles and obesity.

Type 2 diabetes is a significant risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, and the NHS expends approximately 10% of its £180 billion annual budget on its treatment.

The research, conducted by a team from Peking University in China and Osaka University in Japan, analyzed data spanning 12 years from more than 4,000 individuals in England. Participants were questioned about the frequency of their visits to cinemas, theatres, art galleries, or museums.

When the researchers correlated this data with the development of type 2 diabetes in the study subjects, they found that regular trips to the cinema, around once a month, appeared to reduce the risk of the disease by 35% compared to those who infrequently or never attended cultural events. This reduction remained significant even when factors such as low income and limited education were considered.

Similar results were observed among individuals who frequently attended theaters, concerts, opera performances, or galleries. Although it's unclear precisely how cultural engagement offsets diabetes risk, researchers suggested that it might help counter the negative impact of chronic stress on the body.

According to Diabetes UK, chronic stress can lead to an accumulation of harmful hormones, such as cortisol, which can disrupt the proper functioning of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, ultimately leading to type 2 diabetes.

In summary, the study emphasized that participating in cultural activities is not only enjoyable and socially engaging but also stress-relieving and beneficial for overall well-being. However, it's worth noting that the study did not investigate the potential impact of consuming snacks while enjoying movies on the risk of diabetes, an aspect that may warrant further research. Prior studies have cautioned that a 225g serving of sweet popcorn can contain a substantial 1,200 calories, which is nearly half of a man's recommended daily allowance of 2,500 calories and more than half of the 2,000 calories suggested for women.