Sitting links with type 2 diabetes investigated
The EU-funded SEDIAB (The effect of a sedentary lifestyle on type 2 diabetes and its complications) project is unravelling the relationship between and the role of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in type 2 diabetes and associated complications. The results of this study will advance both the field of physical activity and of diabetes. The determinants of sedentary behaviour came under scrutiny using data from the AGES-Reykjavik study. Results showed that certain midlife determinants were associated with considerably more sitting time per day in old age over a period of three decades. The study has revealed that not being married, having a low educational level, living in poorer conditions, being obese and suffering from heart disease in midlife were associated with more sedentary time in the elderly phase. Using data from The Maastricht Study(opens in new window), the association between sedentary behaviour and diabetes status was examined. Results revealed that in about 2 500 study participants, aged 40-75, patients with type 2 diabetes spent significantly more time being inactive than those without diabetes. On examination of the amount and patterns of sitting linked with diabetes, the researchers showed that every additional hour sitting was associated with a 22 % increased risk independent of high-intensity physical exercise. Moreover, replacing 30 minutes of sitting with standing or physical activity improved cardiometabolic risk factors such as waist circumference and blood pressure. This suggests that sedentary behaviour may play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, reduction of sitting time may play a significant role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Currently, the researchers are investigating the association between sedentary behaviour and micro- and macrovascular complications of type 2 diabetes such as vascular stiffness and kidney function. So far, three papers have been published with more to be submitted. SEDIAB has added to the knowledge about sedentary behaviour as an emerging risk factor for health. The deliverables impact both physical activity guidelines and recommendations for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
