Everyone knows that lifestyle measures such as adjusting food patterns and increasing physical activities help to prevent or ameliorate diabetes type 2. However, what is not generally known is that sitting too much can worsen health conditions such as diabetes type 2. Research has shown that there is a new important modifiable lifestyle factor and that is “the time spent sitting”. Prolonged sitting time is associated with high blood sugar levels. Standing up or walk every 15 minute for about 3 minutes is enough to control the blood sugar throughout the day. The reason for this is that even small exercise make the body’s muscles work allowing sugar in the blood to enter cells and fuel the body. At the same time blood sugar levels reduce. Standing or walking during work, taking calls, during meetings or watching TV thus appears to be a very good idea. This of course next to the advices given by your doctor or other health care professionals.
Reference: Paing AC et al Prev.Med.Reports 2018;12:94-100 and The Conversation May 11, 2021.
