About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Inactivity Leads to Diabetes Risk in Women

by VR Sreeraman on March 3, 2012 at 4:39 PM
Font : A-A+

 Inactivity Leads to Diabetes Risk in Women

Women who spend time sitting for prolonged periods on a daily basis are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes than men, finds a new study.

Researchers from the University of Leicester Departments of Health Sciences and Cardiovascular Sciences revealed that women who are sedentary for most of the day were at a greater risk from exhibiting the early metabolic defects that act as a precursor to developing type 2 diabetes than people who tend to sit less.

Advertisement

The team assessed over 500 men and women of the age of 40 or more about the amount of time spent sitting over the course of a week, helped out by tests on the level of specific chemicals in their bloodstream that are linked to diabetes and metabolic dysfunction. It was found that the women who spent the longest time sitting had higher levels of insulin, as well as higher amounts of C-reactive protein and chemicals released by fatty tissue in the abdomen, leptin, and interleukin6, and which indicate problematic inflammation.

The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, revealed that the link between sitting time and diabetes risk was much stronger in women than men, but could not pinpoint why there was a gender difference, although it was suggested that women might snack more often than men during sedentary behavior, or because men tend to take part in more robust activity when they do get up and about.
Advertisement

Dr Thomas Yates who led the study said: "This study provides important new evidence that higher levels of sitting time have a deleterious impact on insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation in women but not men and that this effect is seen regardless of how much exercise is undertaken. This suggests that women who meet the national recommendations of 30 minutes of exercise a day may still be compromising their health if they are seated for the rest of the day.

'It therefore suggests that enabling women to spend less time sitting may be an important factor in preventing chronic disease.'The paper calls for further experimental research investigating the effect of reduced sitting time on human volunteers

Dr Yates added: "If these results are replicated, they have implications for lifestyle recommendations, public health policy, and health behavior change interventions, as they suggest that enabling women to spend less time sitting is an important factor in preventing chronic disease."

Source: Eurekalert
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Women Health News

Female Genital Tuberculosis Needs Quick Intervention
In 90% of women with female genital tuberculosis condition, the fallopian tubes are affected. In around 70% uterine endometrium is affected.
Road Accidents During Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Birth Complications
Women involved in motor vehicle crashes during pregnancy were at increased risk of various adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially while riding scooters.
Beware Women! Shift Work can Make You Frail
Are shift works bad for women's health? Yes, Women who are working rotating shifts are more likely to be frail.
Mind Over Matter: Harnessing the Influence of Mindsets in Childbirth!
Psychologists found that a pregnant woman's mindset can impact childbirth outcomes, with those viewing it as natural having fewer interventions.
Are Pregnancy-Related Deaths on the Rise During COVID-19?
The study reveals that pregnancy-related mortality rates were stable with rising COVID-19–related death rates among reproductive-age women.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Inactivity Leads to Diabetes Risk in Women Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests