12 Dec Light-Intensity Activities Can Improve Glycemic Control in Diabetics

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Bernard M Duvivier

Bernard M Duvivier 
Department of Human Biology and Movement Science
NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre
Maastricht, the Netherlands

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings?

Response: The health benefits of exercise have been well established but sitting is a risk factor for health, independent of exercise.

As many people with type 2 diabetes don’t like to exercise we investigated whether replacing sitting time with light-intensity activities (standing and light walking) is equally effective to exercise when energy expenditure is comparable. Our results suggest that for people with type 2 diabetes, light-intensity activities (light walking and standing) can be an alternative to exercise to improve glucose regulation.

In addition we showed that too much sitting has negative effects on insulin sensitivity which could not be fully compensated by 1 hour of exercise per day.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from this report?

Response: Too much sitting is unhealthy, even if you exercise regularly. For people with type 2 diabetes, light-intensity activities can be an alternative to exercise to improve glucose regulation.

In a daily life setting, people should try to break up their sitting regularly by standing and light walking, e.g. by a standing desk, lunch walks, standing or walking meetings etc.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Dose-response studies are needed which investigate the feasibility of replacing sitting time with light activities on the longer-term.

Citation:

Breaking sitting with light activities vs structured exercise: a randomised crossover study demonstrating benefits for glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes

Bernard M. F. M. Duvivier, Nicolaas C. Schaper, Matthijs K. C. Hesselink, Linh van Kan, Nathalie Stienen, Bjorn Winkens, Annemarie Koster, Hans H. C. M. Savelberg
Diabetologia. 2016 Dec 1

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on December 14, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD