MyDoc Tuesday Tips : Interrupting prolonged sitting time improves blood sugar
Office Health

MyDoc Tuesday Tips : Interrupting prolonged sitting time improves blood sugar

By 20th November 2019 July 22nd, 2020 No Comments

 

Many studies have shown that prolonged sitting time has been associated with overweight, obesity, poor blood sugar control, increased fasting glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose, increased insulin levels, as well as increased insulin resistance. 
 
Source: Diabetes News Journal

Sitting seems to be unavoidable in the modern workplace. Most of our work today is done on the laptop or a computer and we only spend time travelling to and from the office. In addition, due to long working hours, some of us are unable to exercise for the recommended 30 minutes every day. For those working remotely, the sitting hours tend to be even longer.

 
Prolonged sitting has proven to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, excessive fat around the abdomen, increased blood pressure, etc.
 
The Diabetologia journal – the official journal of the European Association for the study of Diabetes published The Maastricht Study (Netherlands) which has shown that sitting for an extra hour increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 22% and metabolic syndrome by 39%.
 
So, even though you may exercise regularly for 30 to 60 minutes or engage in exercise for sports, if you are sitting for prolonged hours without a light physical activity break, you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
 
Another study has shown that a day of light-intensity physical activity with sitting for less than 6 hours improves whole-body insulin action the following morning when compared to prolonged sitting for 16 hours.
 
Stand up to Diabetes
 
Hyperglycemia (the increase in 2-hour postprandial blood glucose), nocturnal hyperglycemia has been observed with prolonged sitting. This leads to regular frequent spikes of high and low blood sugar; in turn, increasing your risk of early onset of heart damage, high cholesterol, eye damage, kidney damage and nerve damage.
 
Interrupting prolonged sitting with light to moderate intensity breaks reduces insulin levels and blood sugar levels after a meal. If continued consistently, it will further lead to better weight management and improve blood cholesterol levels.
 
Leading an active lifestyle and eating a balanced healthy diet are key to managing your blood sugar. Reach out to our team of doctors and health coaches at MyDoc to help you manage your diabetes and lead an active life.

Always care for you,
Claudia, MyDoc dietician

Claudia Correia

Claudia Correia

Claudia has a degree in Dietetics and has a special interest in Women’s Health, Mediterranean Diet, Weight Management, Chronic Disease, Nutritional Wellness & Mindful Eating, as well as, in Cancer Nutrition Therapy. She is a dietitian member of SNDA (Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association) and member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia has been practising as a dietitian since 2010, and she has spent four years at Raffles Hospital. For the past years, she has been passionately working with her clients on areas such as weight management, women’s health, chronic disease management, wellness and oncology. Claudia has diversified experience from both Europe and Asia, coupled with the expertise of handling a variety of cuisines. She caters to the most varied needs of an individual. When consulting her clients, she educates and creates awareness of the impact of food, while emphasizing the enjoyment of food.

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