Sitting and Diabetes Linked by Inactivity

Danish scientists recently found that time spent sitting is linked to developing type 2 diabetes, but generally only among people who are inactive or obese. Those who sit for more than 10 hours a day saw a 35 percent heightened risk of diabetes, but those who had a healthy weight and exercised saw that risk minimized, even with prolonged sitting. The risk of developing diabetes was completely eliminated when people moderately or vigorously exercised for at least 150 minutes per week. During the study period, those who sat for more than 10 hours a day were also more likely to be generally physically inactive, drink alcohol, smoke, and be overweight. So if you can't avoid sitting at work, there is evidence that getting a few hours of moderate exercise per week outside the office along with a healthy weight can protect you from developing type 2 diabetes. But there is still much to gain by breaking up your sitting time with short periods of movement. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's important to move your body often. Take breaks, walk around the office, and get exercise when you can. Reducing your level of sitting and adding more activity is a smart way to stay healthy for life.