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It can help. Regular exercise lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes and helps manage it, and golf is moderate-intensity exercise that many people enjoy for life. Here’s what we know, and how to play safely if you have diabetes.
150
That’s the minimum the World Health Organization recommends for adults. A round of golf goes a long way towards it. Source: World Health Organization, 2020
Key findings
01
People who are regularly active have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Source: NHS, 2025
02
A review of 301 studies found golf gives moderate-intensity exercise and is linked to better metabolic health. Source: Murray et al., 2016
03
In healthy older adults, blood sugar stayed level after 18 holes but rose after a 6 km walk. Source: Kettinen et al., 2023
04
Inactive men who played two or three times a week for 20 weeks lost 1.4 kg and 2.2 cm from their waist compared with men who didn’t play. Source: Parkkari et al., 2000
How sure can we be?
The evidence that exercise helps prevent and manage type 2 diabetes is strong. Source: NHS, 2025
There is much less research on golf in people who already have diabetes. The studies above were in healthy adults, so they suggest golf is a good way to get the exercise you need rather than proving it treats diabetes. Source: Kettinen et al., 2023
Play it safe
Practical advice from Diabetes UK on exercising with diabetes, applied to a round of golf. Source: Diabetes UK, 2024
Especially if you’re starting something new or haven’t been active for a while.
If you take insulin or medicine that lowers blood sugar, check before and after you play.
Carry fast-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or a sugary drink, in case of a hypo.
Nine holes or a short course is a good way to build up.
Common questions
Golf is moderate-intensity exercise, and regular exercise helps manage type 2 diabetes. Source: Murray et al., 2016.
In one study of healthy older adults, blood sugar stayed level during 18 holes. Research in people with diabetes is limited. Source: Kettinen et al., 2023.
Keep fast-acting carbohydrate, like glucose tablets or a sugary drink, with you. Source: Diabetes UK, 2024.
At least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. Source: World Health Organization, 2020.
Keep exploring
The Golf & Health Project brings together published research on golf and health. This page is general information, not medical advice. Page last reviewed: November 2026.
