Using Pokemon GO to fight diabetes: Is it effective?

Could augmented reality game Pokemon GO be used to fight Type 2 diabetes? Researchers at the Leicester Diabetes Centre believe that the physical activity involved in trying to "catch them all" may lead to a decline in the number of people at risk of developing the disease.

"Recent figures suggest five million people in England are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which is largely associated with physical inactivity obesity," Dr. Tom Yates of the University of Leceister said in a report on AlphaGalileo.

"Walking is hugely underrated yet it is man’s best and the cheapest form of exercise. It’s an easy and accessible way to get active and help maintain a healthy body."

Players of the popular game have joked about the surprising influence it has had on the amount of physical activity they engage in daily. The exercise involved has generated memes (right) about people acquiring more muscular physiques because of Pokemon GO.

The Leicester Diabetes Centre recognizes that increased physical activity, which the game provides, can lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes risk.

Although Pokemon GO does help avoid a sedentary lifestyle, playing it has also been linked to people becoming more vulnerable to scamming and other criminal activities, and at least two men walked off a cliff while playing the game.

The lesson? It provides exercise, but exercise caution as well. Happy hunting! — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News