Taking more steps each day significantly cuts the risk of the diabetes, Australian researchers said on Friday.

Study of Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne of Australia, is the first to estimate the beneficial effects of long-term changes in daily step count against early stage markers in the development of diabetes.

Study participants who increased their daily step count from below 1,000 to at least 10,000 over a five-year period had a 10 percent improvement in insulin sensitivity.

"These findings provide further support to promote higher physical activity levels among adults," Professor Terry Dwyer, a lead researcher told Australia Associated Press on Friday, adding that beating diabetes could be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

Results were compiled with 592 middle-aged Australian adults taking part in the study over five years.

At the start of the study, participants completed a detailed diet and lifestyle questionnaire and underwent a thorough health examination.

A higher daily step count over five years was associated with a lower body mass index, lower waist to hip ratio, and better insulin sensitivity.

Current international step count guidelines vary. A popular guideline is to do 10,000 steps every day, though a more recent recommendation is 3,000 steps, five days a week.

The study was published by the British Medical Journal Online.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet