Sitting For Long Periods Increases Risk Of Developing Diabetes

There is a correlation between excessive sitting and an increased risk of developing diabetes, - according to a recent study from the University of Southern Denmark in Copenhagen.

Researchers were quick to point out, however, that the effect is typically witnessed among people who are already overweight or who remain inactive throughout the day. The study claims that sitting down for over 10 hours daily can lead to a 35 percent increase of developing diabetes compared to sitting for less than 6 hours per day.

Scientists noted that even if sitting down for long periods of time in the office is unavoidable, you can still combat the risk of diabetes by getting lots of exercise after work.

"If you are normal weight, and it's impossible to avoid sitting a lot at work, it's nice to know that being physically active outside work alleviates the diabetes hazard from sitting – at least that's what our results point toward," said Dr. Janne Tolstrup, senior author of the study.

Get moving

Previous research has linked sedentary lifestyles to diabetes, which is why researchers encourage people to get up and move as much as possible throughout the day - even when you’re stuck at work.

"If you do sit, there's a lot you can do quite easily," Tolstrup said. "Stand at your desk, or try to vary your position, take active breaks such as standing or walking as opposed to sitting, and be sure you have some real physical activity during leisure time."

Not only does sitting increase the chances of developing diabetes, additional studies claim that inactivity may cause your brain to shrink - yet another reason researchers believe you should break a sweat as often as possible.

Source: Reuters