Health Highlights: Jan. 26, 2007

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors ofHealthDay:

Most Diabetics Don't Exercise: Study

Even though physical activity plays an important role in controlling the disease, fewer than 40 percent of people with type 2 diabetes exercise, says a U.S. study that surveyed more than 22,000 diabetes patients.

The study also found that the diabetes patients most in need of exercise are the least likely to be active, theAssociated Pressreported.

The findings appear in the February issue of the journalDiabetes Care. The study results are disappointing, said lead researcher Dr. Elaine Morrato, an expert in public health and epidemiology and assistant professor at the University of Colorado in Denver.

"It is difficult to be optimistic about addressing the twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes without success in increasing physical activity in the population," she and her colleagues concluded. "The results of this study provide very pessimistic data."

People with type 2 diabetes who don't exercise face complications such as high blood pressure and nerve damage, theAPreported. The American Diabetes Association recommends at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, five times a week.

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U.S. Donates Protective Gear to Help Indonesia Fight Bird Flu

The U.S. government this week delivered more than 100,000 sets of protective equipment to Indonesia as part of a $24 million program to help that country fight the deadly H5N1 bird-flu virus.

The gear, which includes protective suits, goggles and gloves, will be given to people who come into direct contact with poultry or with people infected by the H5N1 virus,Agence France Pressereported.

In total, the United States will donate 200,000 sets of protective equipment and 2,000 decontamination kits to be used at infected farms, homes, hospitals, and clinics.