The UCLA study suggests that maintaining fitness and building muscle mass may play a powerful role in lowering the risk of getting the disease.
The scientists found that for each 10-percent increase in muscle mass, there was a corresponding 11-percent reduction in insulin resistance and a 12-percent decrease in pre-diabetes.
The American Diabetic Association says 79 million people in the U.S. have pre-diabetes, which means their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet in the diabetic range.
