Sedentary time associated with type 2 diabetes

We all spend many hours a day sitting at work, school or simply in front of the TV at home. The health risks of sitting are increasingly exposed and now new research has shown that sedentary time is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes.

The study, by Julianne van der Berg and colleagues at Maastricht University, has shown that each extra hour of sitting is associated with 22% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Using an accelerometer, data was gathered about the posture of participants, shown to be an effective way to assess sedentary behaviour.

Using this data, the researchers calculated the daily time spent sitting, the amount of breaks between sitting periods and the length of time spent sitting in a row. It was concluded that participants with diabetes type 2 spend most time sitting, spending on average 26 minutes more in a sitting position than the other participants.

At EDLAB we aim to make Maastricht University a more healthy and dynamic place by introducing standing tutorials through our Education That Moves You project. Read more about Education That Moves You here.

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