Sitting for long hours may boost risk of type-2 diabetes even if you exercise, say researchers

Researchers have reported that if you sit for long hours, then it might boost your chances of suffering from type 2 diabetes, no matter you exercise or not.

The study authors said that every additional hour in a sedentary position, whether you are in sitting in front of idiot box, computer or lounging in the recliner, apparently raises your odds of type-2 diabetes by 22%.

Lead researcher Julianne van der Berg, from Maastricht University in the Netherlands mentioned that they have discovered that people suffering from diabetes spend more time sitting as compared those without diabetes, roughly 26 minutes more per day.

But, she has warned that the relation between sitting and diabetes is just an association, and doesn't confirm that sitting leads to type-2 diabetes. She added that they can’t have any conclusions regarding cause and effect.

Julianne van der Berg added that the results are independent of any high-intensity exercise, like swimming or running.

She mentioned, “We all know that physical activity is important, but now we see that sitting is a bad thing. The more you sit, the higher the risk [for type 2 diabetes], regardless of how much you exercise”.

She said that so far, the reason behind why sedentary behavior could play a role in the development of type-2 diabetes isn't known.

The authors added that however, knowing the high prevalence of type-2 diabetes across the world and the huge amounts of time people spend being sedentary, such studies hold significance. The report has been carried online on February 2 in the journal Diabetologia.

Diabetes suggests that sugar level in your blood is higher than normal. If not treated timely, it can cause heart and kidney disease, can make you blind and lead to limb amputations.